Trump to Deliver National Address on 2020 Election Intelligence, Voting Machine Security 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
IEA Warns China Rare Earth Export Curbs Could Threaten $6.5 Trillion in Global Production 
Trump ICC Sanctions Challenged as Advocacy Groups File Free Speech Lawsuit 
US Stock Futures Fall as Netflix Outlook, Chip Selloff and Iran Tensions Weigh on Markets 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Select Brazilian Imports After Section 301 Trade Investigation 
US Restricts Commercial Flights From Congo Amid Ebola Outbreak 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Ukraine, EU Sign Landmark Drone Deal to Boost Defense Production 
Gold Prices Slip as Oil Rally Fuels Inflation Fears, Strengthens Dollar 
US Military Completes Sixth Night of Iran Strikes as Conflict Escalates 
Trump Administration Launches AI Cybersecurity Partnership to Protect Critical Infrastructure 
Iran Launches Fresh Attacks on U.S. Bases as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate 
Senate Weighs Permanent Daylight Saving Time Bill as Support Remains Uncertain 
Gold Prices Head for Biggest Weekly Loss Since June as Fed Rate Outlook Weighs 
Trump Criticizes ABC, NBC and CNN for Limiting Coverage of Election Speech 
The Bank of Japan is expected to raise its short-term interest rate to 0.5% this Friday, barring significant market disruptions as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office. This move would mark the first increase since July 2024 and the highest rate since the 2008 global financial crisis.
The anticipated hike underscores the central bank’s resolve to normalize monetary policy, targeting rates near 1%, a level analysts believe balances growth and inflation. Inflation has exceeded the BOJ’s 2% target for nearly three years, driven by rising wages and a weak yen inflating import costs.
To prepare markets, Governor Kazuo Ueda has signaled a likely rate hike, boosting the yen and setting an 80% probability of action on Friday. The BOJ board is also expected to raise price forecasts, reinforcing confidence in sustained inflation.
However, concerns persist. Trump's policies and Japan’s political uncertainties could destabilize markets, impacting the export-reliant economy. Additionally, memories of past rate hike missteps, including the 2007 increase followed by rapid cuts during the 2008 financial crisis, weigh heavily on policymakers.
Despite these challenges, the BOJ aims to transition from its prolonged ultra-loose monetary policy. Experts stress the importance of clear communication to reassure investors and businesses navigating this shift. As global growth forecasts improve, Japan's policymakers are cautiously optimistic about the path ahead.
This decision is closely watched for its implications on the yen, financial markets, and Japan’s economic trajectory.
