0536 GMT - Market expectations for an April interest-rate hike by the Bank of Japan are receding amid uncertainty surrounding the Middle East. However, SMBC Nikko Securities expects the central bank to raise rates to 1% this month. It argues that 1% remains slightly below the BOJ's projected range for the neutral rate--a level that is neither restrictive nor stimulative to the economy. "If the rate hike is pushed back, it will eventually occur while inflation is already trending down, making the move difficult to justify," the brokerage's economists say. They expect the nation's inflation to ease ahead as food price growth slows. (megumi.fujikawa@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 15, 2026 01:36 ET (05:36 GMT)

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