The Bank of Japan decided to suspend its tapering of bond purchases starting from July next year.
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) stated that, at today’s monetary policy meeting, the BOJ’s Policy Board reviewed developments and operations in the Japanese government bond (JGB) market and discussed future guidelines for JGB purchases. In principle, long-term interest rates should be determined by financial markets; therefore, it is appropriate for the central bank to conduct JGB purchases in a predictable manner while retaining sufficient flexibility to support JGB market stability. Based on this approach, and to improve the efficiency and stability of the JGB market, the BOJ decided—by a vote of 7 to 1—to implement the following measures: Starting now through March 2027, the BOJ will reduce its monthly JGB purchase target by approximately ¥200 billion per natural quarter, in principle. From April 2027 onward, its monthly JGB purchase target will be maintained at approximately ¥2 trillion.
Should long-term interest rates rise rapidly, the BOJ will respond flexibly—for example, by increasing the scale of JGB purchases or conducting fixed-rate JGB purchase operations (both of which are exempt from the monthly JGB purchase target), as well as conducting funding operations against pooled collateral. Furthermore, the BOJ will no longer conduct mid-term reviews of its direct JGB purchase program. However, the BOJ stands ready to adjust the pace of JGB purchases at future monetary policy meetings, as deemed necessary, based on the fundamental principles guiding JGB purchases and other factors—including developments in the JGB market. (Jinshi)
