🇯🇵LATEST: Japan is preparing markets for ANOTHER rate hike. BOJ Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino says policymakers will debate the pace and timing of further hikes at each meeting as they seek to stabilise underlying inflation around 2%. The BOJ hasn't committed to September, but markets are now pricing nearly a 90% chance of a hike at the Sept. 17–18 meeting. Japan's policy rate is already at a 31-year HIGH of 1%, with another 25bps hike taking it to 1.25%. Currently, Japan's key indicators are sitting at: - Wholesale inflation: +7.2% - Core inflation: 1.8%, up from 1.6% - USD/JPY: 159.35 Himino says the timing and pace will also reflect risks from FX moves, AI-related demand and the Middle East conflict.