Bank of Japan lines up another speaking event ahead of key September meeting
TLT•BOJ adds Masu speech before September policy meeting
The Bank of Japan has set a third speaking event for one of its board members ahead of its next policy meeting in September, events which could drop hints on whether the central bank will meet growing market expectations of a rate hike that month.
Board member Kazuyuki Masu will deliver a speech and hold a news conference on September 10, the BOJ said on Friday, adding to two existing similar events featuring hawkish board member Hajime Takata on September 2 and Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino on August 27.
Markets watch for clues on a possible September hike
The three events would allow the BOJ to repeat the practice of past rate increases, where it gave advance signals of a hike in speeches delivered by executives in pre-scheduled events.
Takata dissented on the BOJ's decision in July to keep rates steady, instead calling for a hike to 1.25%. Masu and Himino are seen by markets as among hawks in the nine-member board who favour a near-term rate hike.
