BoJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda reiterated to the parliament today that the central bank ” won’t end the ultra-easy policy before inflation reaches 2 percent”. And BoJ will “patiently pursue powerful monetary easing”. Though, Kuroda also noted policymakers will take into account the “side effects” such as the “impact of financial institutions, particularly regional banks”.
Regarding the economy, Kuroda said it’s expanding moderately, with consumption helped by loose monetary policy. While there is sustaining momentum in growth, prices lack so. And there is still some distance to inflation target. BoJ will remain mindful of uncertainties on economic and price outlook.
Deputy Governor Masazumi Wakatabe said that BoJ can achieve the inflation target “with the current policy”. Though, “if conditions change and our current policy becomes inappropriate, we may need to change policy.”
