yen

Minutes from the Bank of Japan's July policy meeting show board members debated the need to raise interest rates at a faster pace. The disclosure has drawn attention from investors watching how quickly Japan's central bank will move away from its long-standing ultra-loose monetary policy amid inflation pressures and a weakening yen.

The Bank of Japan has signalled it may raise interest rates sooner than markets had anticipated. The hawkish signal points to a possible shift away from Japan's long-standing ultra-loose monetary policy. Investors and analysts are watching closely for clues on the timing of the move, as an earlier hike could affect the yen, bond yields and global carry trades.

Minutes from the Bank of Japan's July monetary policy meeting show policymakers agreed it is appropriate to continue raising interest rates and gradually reduce monetary accommodation, aiming to anchor inflation expectations. The remarks point to a continued tightening path, and markets are weighing what further rate increases would mean for the yen and bond markets.

A former Bank of Japan official says an interest rate hike at the central bank's October meeting is a genuine possibility, keeping alive expectations that Japan's era of ultra-low rates is ending. The comments feed into ongoing speculation about when the BOJ will raise borrowing costs again, a topic closely watched by currency and bond markets worldwide.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, the Japanese company at the center of a supplement contamination scandal linked to suspected deaths, is reportedly considering a buyout offer valued at more than ¥500 billion. The move would mark a major development for a firm whose reputation and finances have been damaged since the scandal, and is drawing attention from investors and observers of Japan's consumer health sector.

A New York Times opinion piece argues that Japan's bond market, and the yen, pose an underappreciated risk to global markets. The column points readers' attention beyond the usual focus on US Treasuries, suggesting that developments in Japanese government debt could have wider economic consequences.

Ursula von der Leyen delivered a high-profile Congress of Europe address laying out her vision for the continent's future, but an investigative outlet points to key issues the speech omitted. Reporting focuses on the gaps between her rhetoric and what she avoided addressing, prompting debate about what the European Commission president chose not to say in her pitch.

NTT Docomo will raise the monthly fee for its ahamo low-cost mobile plan from December, with an increase of just 165 yen a month. Legacy OCN Mobile ONE plans are also affected by the change. The modest size of the hike is seen as a sign Docomo wants to stay competitive with rival budget carriers while adjusting prices.