BOJ Watch

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Long-term interest rates keep moving upward, a trend that reflects brisker economic activity but which market watchers fear could turn into a damaging run-up.

TOKYO (Nikkei)--The U.S. dollar has broken the psychologically important 100 yen threshold for the first time in about four years. The yen is likely to remain on a downward trend for the time being amid expectations stemming from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic policy.

TOKYO (NQN)--As yields on 10-year and 5-year Japanese government bonds have risen, speculation is growing about why the Bank of Japan has not taken action to push them lower.

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Bank of Japan Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda's target of Japan seeing 2% inflation within two years has been doubted and even derided by many market players. For these players, it would be more favorable to simply call on the BOJ to ease credit some more, which is easier if deflation continues.

TOKYO (Nikkei)--The Bank of Japan's latest Outlook for Economic Activity and Prices, released late last month, contained some rosy predictions about price trends in the next couple of years.