[Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rates as Expected, Market Focus Shifts to Future Path] Reported by Jinse Finance, on September 18, Friday, the Bank of Japan raised interest rates at the fastest pace in 36 years to address escalating inflation. Following the conclusion of its two-day meeting on Friday, the Bank of Japan announced in a statement that it would raise the policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.25%, a move that aligns with the expectations of all surveyed economists. This rate hike marks the shortest interval since the June hike and is the first of its kind since 1990. Governor Kazuo Ueda is set to explain the rationale behind this decision and the interest rate path for the coming months during the press conference, which typically begins shortly after. The foreign exchange market has already shifted its focus from 'whether to raise rates' to 'how many more rate hikes will follow.' Several institutions believe that if the Bank of Japan fails to deliver a tighter signal than currently anticipated, the yen may continue to weaken after the decision. According to a Reuters survey, the market broadly expects rates to continue rising, reaching 1.5% by the end of March 2027 and climbing to 1.75% in the second quarter. (Jin10)