[SMBC Nikko Securities: Bank of Japan Likely to Raise Interest Rates in October] Jin10 News, July 9 – SMBC Nikko Securities economist Yoshimasa Maruyama stated that, based on the results of Thursday's Bank of Japan branch managers' meeting, the Bank of Japan is still likely to raise interest rates again in October. The Bank of Japan branch managers noted that despite tensions in the Middle East, production remains resilient, and there is potential for further price transmission. Maruyama commented, 'Overall, this can be seen as a step toward further rate hikes. However, the Bank of Japan's report and the branch managers' briefings did not convey a sense of urgency for an immediate rate hike at the next meeting.'