Japan's central bank has raised its key interest rate to about 0.5% from 0.25%, noting that inflation is holding at a desirable target level.

The Bank of Japan ((BoJ)) has raised its key short-term interest rate by 25 basis points to 0.5%, in line with market consensus, and marking the highest level since 2008 and the third rate hike since the central bank ended negative interest rates in March 2024.

In a well-trailed move, the Bank of Japan on Friday raised the policy rate by 0.25 percentage points, taking it to 0.5 per cent — its highest level in nearly two decades.

The Bank of Japan holds its first policy meeting of the year next week and the outcome will be announced days after the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

In a widely anticipated move, the Bank of Japan on Jan. 24 raised its short-term policy rate to 0.50% from 0.25%. Read more here.

Good morning. The Bank of Japan raises its interest rate to the highest level in 17 years. Inflation concerns may be making a comeback in the euro area. And the rise of women’s soccer in England is hiding a financial struggle.

Japan's central bank has increased the cost of borrowing to its highest level in 17 years after consumer price rises accelerated in December. The move by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to raise its short-term policy rate to "around 0.5 per cent" comes just hours after the latest economic data showed prices rose last month at the fastest pace in 16 months.