Japan leaves interest rates unchanged, increases flexibility on yield curve control

By Tuba Ongun

ANKARA (AA) — The Bank of Japan on Tuesday decided to leave its interest rates at ultra-low levels and further increase flexibility in the conduct of yield curve control.

The short-term interest rate target was unchanged at minus 0.1% and 10-year bond yields at around 0% in its October meeting, in line with market forecasts.

The target level of 10-year Japanese government bond yields will be kept at around 0%, but the bank will conduct yield curve control with the upper bound of 1% as a reference, according to the statement.

The bank said strictly capping long-term interest rates via its fixed-rate buying operations at 1% each day would have a strong impact, but could also have major side effects.

"Given this, it decided to conduct yield curve control mainly through large-scale JGB (Japanese government bond) purchases and nimble market operations," it added.

The Japanese yen weakened beyond the 150-per-dollar mark following the decision.