🇯🇵 LATEST: Bank of Japan HOLDS rates at 1.25% but signals further hikes, with borrowing costs already at their highest since 1995. The yen strengthened as much as 0.4% to 157.12 per dollar as markets absorbed the signal that Japan’s tightening cycle is not over. The decision passed 8–1, with board member Hajime Takata pushing for an immediate increase to 1.5%. The BOJ raised its FY2027 inflation forecast to 2.6% and reportedly assessed underlying inflation as consistent with its 2% target.