Mitsubishi UFJ: Bank of Japan expected to act cautiously on next interest rate hike.

With global central banks facing geopolitical uncertainties, Mitsubishi UFJ has postponed its forecast for the Bank of Japan's rate hike from the previously expected April to June. Analysts at the brokerage firm said, "Given the limited hard economic data available since the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the Bank of Japan may proceed cautiously." These analysts added that despite the ultra-low interest rates after adjusting for inflation, this should prompt Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda to signal readiness to tighten monetary policy at his press conference next week to prevent further inflationary pressures.