Bank of Japan Releases April Meeting Summary; Board Signals June Rate Hike

The Bank of Japan published the summary of opinions from its April 27–28 monetary policy meeting. Multiple board members explicitly cited growing inflation risks from Middle East energy disruption. At least one member stated a June hike was 'quite possible' even amid continued economic uncertainty. The summary reinforced market expectations that the BOJ's rate-hiking cycle remains intact despite the April pause, with core CPI running above the 2.0% target and BOJ forecasts revised upward to 2.8% for FY2026. The release came as the yen continued to trade in the 158–160 range versus the US dollar.