Japan’s central bank governor, Kazuo Ueda, has warned of the potential consequences of a sudden normalisation of monetary policy, advising that a cautious approach should be taken in order to minimise market shock, according to Reuters. Speaking on Monday, Ueda said all options will be considered at each monetary policy meeting, but highlighted that “we will do our utmost to achieve [an] inflation target during my term while paying attention to the side effects”. Ueda is also “fully aware that the global economy is slowing and a further slowdown is expected”, but indicated that recent figures show “possible sustainable price targets as wage growth strengthens”.
Ueda announced his intention to introduce measures to protect against market volatility caused by sudden and unexpected changes to policy. Ueda has emphasised the importance of striking a balance between ideal policy and the need to achieve price growth goals. He says the Bank of Japan (BOJ) will do its “utmost to achieve the inflation target during my term while paying attention to side effects”.
As well as preparing for the possibility of further global economic declines, Ueda said there were positive signs in Japan’s economy, such as improving wages and growth in certain industries. He remains positive that the central bank can achieve its inflation target in the coming years, but will have to tread cautiously to avoid causing any disruption.
The BOJ has a dual mandate, aiming to achieve stable prices and economic growth, as well as providing crucial liquidity support for the financial markets. The bank’s Quantitative and Qualitative Monetary Easing with Yield Curve Control has so far been a key policy tool, but as Governor Ueda suggests, it may adjust the policy in the future depending on the economic situation.
Ueda has highlighted the importance of pursuing a careful path towards normalising monetary policy in Japan, which has seen its fair share of market instability in recent years. With the economy showing signs of improvement, it is crucial that the central bank does not shock the market by making sudden and unexpected policy changes, ensuring a smooth transition to a more stable policy environment.
In order to do this, Ueda suggests the need for open discussion, saying the bank will “debate all policy options at every monetary policy meeting”. By considering each option at length, the central bank will be able to carefully evaluate the potential consequences and implications of its decisions, helping to mitigate the risk of market shock.
Ueda’s comments reflect the caution with which central banks around the world are approaching the normalisation of monetary policy, as many other economies are also in the process of gradually lifting interest rates from their nadir after the financial crisis of 2008-2009. While the global economy has shown signs of rebound in recent years, there remains some lingering uncertainty and volatility, which makes it even more important for central banks to tread carefully when implementing new policies and adjusting current ones.
In this context, Ueda’s insistence on open and clear communication with the market is vital: by aiming to “explain each policy move in plain language”, the BOJ can help to reassure markets and investors that its decisions are made with their best interests in mind, and that changes will be introduced gradually and thoughtfully, avoiding unnecessary shocks.
Ultimately, the gradual normalisation of monetary policy will require a continuous cycle of analysis, discussion, and action on the part of central banks like the Bank of Japan. As Governor Ueda’s comments demonstrate, the BOJ is aware of the potential pitfalls of sudden policy shifts, and is committed to achieving its goals while maintaining financial stability in the market. By considering the bigger picture of the global economy and striking a careful balance between policy goals and potential side effects, the central bank is taking an important step towards a more stable financial future for Japan.
