[Bank of Japan Inclined Not to Raise Rates in October, Keeps December Hike Possible] Bank of Japan officials are inclined not to implement consecutive rate hikes this month but are keeping the possibility of a rate hike as early as December on the table. BOJ officials believe there is no need for consecutive rate hikes in the absence of signs of a sudden rise in inflation risks. The BOJ will assess economic data to evaluate whether a new round of rate hikes can be initiated at the December meeting. The final policy decision for the October 30 meeting remains uncertain. Last month, BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda's policy committee raised rates to 1.25%. Bessent has called for Japan to continue advancing policy normalization to support a stronger yen. (Source: Jin10)