BOJ Rate Hike Outlook: Low Probability in March, Gradual Increase Expected

Summary: Bank of Japan (BOJ) Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida indicated that a rate hike in March is unlikely but emphasized that the benchmark interest rate will gradually rise based on economic forecasts, potentially reaching 1% by 2026. The BOJ must balance domestic inflation targets with global protectionism risks, while market expectations for a rate hike before June have risen to 48%.