Japanese Market Sharply Higher Ahead Of BOJ Decision

In addition, a weaker yen lifted exporters' shares. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan will wrap up its monetary policy meeting announce its decision on interest rates later in the day. The central bank is widely expected to keep its benchmark lending rate ... ( read original story ...)

Japan real wages slump, overshadow rebound in household spending

A spate of data issued on Friday cast doubt on the Bank of Japan’s optimistic projection that a strengthening recovery will prompt firms to hike wages and boost consumption, helping accelerate inflation to its elusive 2 percent target. The weakness in ... ( read original story ...)

Japanese banks to use Ripple for blockchain for payments

CNBC reports that the Japan Bank Consortium, comprised of 61 member banks, is set to release MoneyTap, a Ripple-powered smartphone app that will allow customers to settle transactions in real time. The country's current system for cash transfers is limited. ( read original story ...)

Japanese banks to roll out blockchain-based instant payments

Ripple powered mobile app to provide on-demand domestic payments in Japan — Ripple — “MoneyTap allows the bank consortium customers to make instant domestic payments and only requires a bank account, phone number, or QR code… The Japan bank ... ( read original story ...)

Bank Of Japan Rate Decision Due On Friday

BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - The Bank of Japan will wrap up its monetary policy meeting on Friday and then announce its decision on interest rates, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. The central bank is widely expected to keep its ... ( read original story ...)

Japan Overall Bank Lending Rises 2.1% In February

The value of overall bank lending in Japan was up 2.1 percent on year in February, the Bank of Japan said on Thursday - coming in at 521.735 trillion yen. That follows the downwardly revised 2.3 percent increase in January (originally 2.4 percent). ( read original story ...)

Japan’s economy grew 1.6 percent in the last quarter of 2017

"Still, Japan's growth will hold firm at least until summer, led by exports and capital expenditure, with help from the solid U.S. economy." With inflation remaining distant from the 2 percent target, the Bank of Japan is widely expected to keep its ... ( read original story ...)