0755 GMT - The Bank of Japan is likely to remain on track to raise interest rates again in October, given the outcome of Thursday's branch managers' meeting, says SMBC Nikko Securities economist Yoshimasa Maruyama. BOJ branch managers noted resilience in production despite Middle East tensions, and the potential for further price pass-through. "Overall, this can be seen as a step forward toward an additional rate hike," Maruyama says. "However, the BOJ report and the reporting from branch managers do not convey a sense of urgency to implement another hike at the next meeting," he adds. (megumi.fujikawa@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 09, 2026 03:55 ET (07:55 GMT)

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