BOJ’s Harada: BOJ will fully debate additional easing steps if needed to respond to economic risks

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) board member Yutaka Harada returned on the wires via Reuters now, noting that in theory, BOJ has more room left to lower rates.

Key Quotes:

Impact of lower rates on economy remains uncertain

BOJ can, theoretically, lower rates more

Rate policy has seen lower interest rates

BOJ will fully debate additional easing steps if needed to respond to economic risks

Natural to ease policy immediately if big risks to outlook materialize

If BOJ eases immediately it does not violate pledge to avoid incremental steps

Weak prices not caused by drop in crude price alone

Impact of higher import prices on yen rise not big

Strong yen won't immediately lower Japan’s prices