{
  "id": 17187843,
  "title": "Bank of Japan says inflation hit 2% target after 13 years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/bank-of-japan-says-inflation-hit-2-target-after-13-years-17187843",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-30T05:46:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/30/bank-of-japan-says-inflation-hit-2-target-after-13-years"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Bank of Japan announced that inflation has finally reached its 2% target after enduring two decades of deflation, a phenomenon detrimental to economic growth. The 2% goal was established in 2013 when the central bank initiated extensive monetary easing measures. For the first time on Friday, the BoJ confirmed that the persistent price trend had been achieved. Core consumer inflation is currently consistent with the price stability target of two percent, and is anticipated to remain at this level.\n\nAlthough the central bank believes in sustainable inflation, the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been more cautious in officially declaring victory over deflation. Takaichi's cabinet is reportedly prioritizing economic stimulus measures over controlling inflation, potentially giving the impression of pressuring the BoJ to maintain low interest rates.\n\nThe Bank of Japan maintained its key interest rate at 1.25%, following a vote in favor of maintaining the rate. This decision comes after similar measures by the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank over the past two days. However, Japanese officials are anticipated to raise interest rates in December as inflationary pressures increase. Japan has experienced persistent consumer price increases since spring 2022, prompting the BoJ to begin tightening rates in March 2024 after 10 years of ultra-loose monetary policy.\n\nThe BoJ cautioned that the year-on-year rate of increase in CPI, excluding fresh food, is likely to accelerate to a level significantly above two percent. This surge is attributed to factors such as rising oil costs, which are expected to elevate prices for energy and goods, and the increase in the price of semiconductors due to heightened global AI-related demand. Additionally, the depreciation of the yen contributes to the inflationary trend. Marcel Thieliant of Capital Economics noted that further tightening of monetary policy appears likely, and the policy rate could reach 2% by the middle of next year.",
  "summary": "The Bank of Japan said on Friday inflation had hit its 2% target, more than 13 years after it adopted the goal in a bid to pull the economy out of deflation, but held off hiking interest rates for now.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Japan Times",
        "title": "Bank of Japan holds rates steady even as inflation ticks up",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/bank-of-japan-holds-rates-steady-even-as-inflation-ticks-up",
        "published": "2026-10-30T03:12:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Jakarta Post",
        "title": "Bank of Japan says inflation hit 2% target after 13 years",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/bank-of-japan-says-inflation-hit-2-target-after-13-years",
        "published": "2026-10-30T03:55:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Yen gains after Bank of Japan holds rates",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/yen-gains-after-bank-of-japan-holds-rates",
        "published": "2026-10-30T04:07:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}