[BNP Paribas: Bank of Japan's Rate Hike Pace May Be Slightly Faster Than Previously Expected] Jin10 News, February 9 – Economists at BNP Paribas stated that given Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's expansionary fiscal policies may further drive up inflation, the Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates at a slightly faster pace than previously anticipated. Analysts predict that the Bank of Japan will raise rates in April, followed by continued policy tightening every four to five months until the policy rate reaches 2%. The report noted: 'Depending on future exchange rate trends, the possibility of the next rate hike being moved up to March cannot be ruled out.' Japanese officials have previously warned that the government is prepared to take measures against excessive yen volatility.