Some of the news from overnight and this morning:
The BOJ concludes its two-day meeting today and will announce new measures at its conclusion. There is no scheduled finishing time for the meeting, so we will have to listen for the singing of the fat lady … but expected around 0300-0500GMT. More on this meeting in a subsequent post.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would do well to consult professor Noriko Hama of Doshisha University. Asked by The Japan Times what the country needs, she replied in feisty fashion: “The three things Japan should do in 2013 are raise wages, raise interest rates — and cut the crap.”
Expect none of these three from the BOJ today.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Monday his Cabinet is fully committed to building a safe society as the government resumed discussions on reforming the social security system.
Best not mention what Minister Aso was reported as saying.
- Japanese Deaths in Algeria Intensify Military Debate (WSJ – gated)
The terrorist attack on an Algerian natural-gas site… intensifying calls to expand the country’s defense and security capabilities.
Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia are identified by HSBC Holdings PLC and Credit Suisse Group AG as among the biggest beneficiaries of Japanese monetary easing and a ¥10.3 trillion ($115 billion) stimulus plan
- New Komeito chief wants Senkaku territorial issue to be shelved
- Japan Firms Designate Algeria As No-Go Zone
Following the deaths of Japanese nationals during the hostage-taking at an Algerian gas field, Japan is considering legal changes to bolster its ability to respond to crises overseas.
