Investing.com - The Bank of Japan kept monetary policy steady on Thursday, but did offer language to suggest a near-term change in the stance was not on the cards.
"Risks to the economy and price outlook are skewed to the downside," it said, conceding it has proved harder than expected to change public perceptions that deflation will persist.
The Bank of Japan’s monetary policy statement and interest rate decision was expected to offer comment on the pace of asset buying at ¥80 trillion annually and possibly hint of tapering.