TOKYO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Bank of Japan (BOJ) on Friday raised its policy interest rate to the highest level in 17 years, marking another step to unwind its long-standing ultra-loose monetary stimulus.

Following a two-day policy meeting, the BOJ decided to raise the policy rate, or the overnight call rate, to 0.5 percent from 0.25 percent, which is in line with market expectations.

This marks the third rate hike since the BOJ ended its negative interest rate policy in March 2024 and has taken the policy rate to its highest level since October 2008.

The Tokyo stock market saw cautious trading on Friday investors refrained from active trading, awaiting remarks from BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda on the future pace of rate hikes.

The Nikkei 225 index ended the day down 26.89 points, or 0.07 percent at 39,931.98.

In a press conference after the market close, Ueda emphasized a cautious, step-by-step strategy to assess the impact of rate hikes while maintaining flexibility in future decisions.

Friday's move reflects continued improvement in economic and price conditions, as well as the expansion of wage increase initiatives in Japan, market analysts noted.

Official data showed that Japan's core consumer price index (CPI), which excludes fresh foods, rose by 3.0 percent last month, making it necessary for the BOJ to curb the risk of inflation outpacing wage increases.

In the BOJ's Outlook for Economic Activity and Prices report, the year-on-year CPI growth forecast was revised upward to 2.4 percent for fiscal 2025 (from the previous 1.9 percent) and 2.0 percent for fiscal 2026 (from 1.9 percent).

The BOJ noted that despite the rate changes, real interest rates remain significantly negative, and accommodative financial conditions will be maintained.

Based on reports from regional branches and surveys by economic organizations, the BOJ predicts that high levels of wage increases will continue across a wide range of industries, from large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises, during the 2025 spring labor negotiations.

If the economic and inflation outlook materializes, interest rates will continue to be raised in line with the situation, the BOJ added.

Regarding the pace and timing of future hikes, Ueda stressed that any move will depend on economic, price, and financial conditions, as decisions will be based on the latest data and information available at each meeting. Enditem

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