More comments from BOJ governor Kuroda on the day

  • Will need to consider further easing if momentum towards 2% inflation target is lost
  • There are downside risks to current outlook so need to manage policy carefully
  • Not considering adjusting yield curve at the moment
  • Adjustment of rate can happen in theory before inflation hits 2%
  • No plan to change current monetary policy framework or weaken it before 2% inflation target is met (by that he means to weaken the easing policy)
  • International society agrees on importance of free trade
  • G-20, G-7, WTO, IMF all share same view on that importance
  • Doesn't think protectionism will spread globally, but will closely watch developments
  • Trade policy can have an impact on the economy

Kuroda almost overstepping again in saying that changes could happen before inflation touches the 2% target. But a case of "the boy who cries wolf" here really, and he added the "in theory" caveat this time around too.

He also touches on trade a little bit at the moment, but nothing substantial to be fair. Just some generic and neutral comments on the issue.