ING Forecasts Bank of Japan Interest Rate Hike in June 2026

ING's senior economist Min Joo Kang suggests that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) is increasingly likely to implement an interest rate hike in June 2026. Despite a slight dovish tilt within the board, the central bank is expected to prioritize incoming economic data over external political pressures. The BoJ remains committed to normalizing its monetary policy as it navigates between internal board dynamics and government influence. Market participants anticipate that such a move will strengthen the Yen (JPY) and potentially lead to a sell-off in Japanese equities. Consequently, instruments like the Nikkei 225 and Japanese Government Bonds (JGB) are expected to face increased volatility. This data-dependent approach underscores the bank's cautious path toward ending its long-standing accommodative stance.