Takehiro Sato Quotes (6 Quotes)

We think expectations of higher interest rates are far more likely to strengthen than to retreat significantly.

The government may not be able to stop the BOJ from shifting policy after all the speculation that's been built up in financial markets.

It's weaker than expected due to the decline of inventories, but final demand is quite strong. Basically, it's a strong report despite the weak headline number. Consumption and all domestic demand is firm. Exports are also strong, showing that demand is quite balanced.

Governor Fukui and other Bank of Japan senior officials have strengthened their tone recently and show no signs of letting up.

Koizumi's major victory in the election may push forward discussions on raising the consumption tax. But Koizumi is unlikely to change his stance of not raising the tax during his tenure, so any tax increase would be after 2007,

This amounts to a declaration that the zero interest rate policy could be abandoned at any time.