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Japan raises interest rate to new 31-year high to curb rising prices

Japan raises interest rate to new 31-year high to curb rising prices

Summary

Japan’s central bank raised its main interest rate to 1.25%, the highest level in 31 years, to address rising prices and economic challenges. This is part of a series of rate increases as Japan moves away from very low borrowing costs that had lasted for decades.

Key Facts

  • The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate from 1% to 1.25%, a level not seen since 1995.
  • Japan has raised its interest rate six times since 2024, starting from -0.1%.
  • Higher rates usually make a country’s currency stronger by attracting investors.
  • Japan faces problems like a weak yen, rising prices, and a shrinking workforce.
  • Inflation in Japan is close to the 2% target but remains relatively low compared to other countries.
  • Global energy prices rose due to the Iran war, affecting Japan’s economy because it relies heavily on Middle East energy.
  • Japan and the US recently intervened together to stop the yen from falling to a 40-year low.
  • US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is urging the Bank of Japan to raise rates to support the yen.
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