Bank of Japan Keeps Balance Rate at -0.1%

The transcript discusses the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) monetary policy, focusing on its commitment to continue easing until a stable 2% inflation is achieved. The BOJ maintains its policy balance rate at -0.1% and its monetary base target at 80 trillion yen. Economists largely expected this decision, with many forecasting no change in policy until later in the year. The BOJ is assessing the impact of its negative rate policy, which began in February. The board voted 8 to 1 to keep the monetary base plan unchanged, citing unstable global financial markets and weakened inflationary expectations. The BOJ aims to reach a 2% CPI target, but the weakening inflationary trend poses challenges.

How many economists forecast that the BOJ will keep its policy unchanged?

What are the recent trends in inflationary expectations according to the BOJ?