Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda sent the clearest hint yet that his board might increase interest rates soon, highlighting the possibility of a move at the BOJ’s December meeting.

The central bank “will consider the pros and cons of raising the policy interest rate and make decisions as appropriate” by examining the economy, inflation and financial markets at home and abroad, Ueda said Monday in a speech to business leaders in Nagoya, central Japan. Any hike would be an adjustment in the degree of easing, with the real interest rate still at a very low level, he added.

AloJapan.com