BOJ’s Kuroda: Japan economy remains in a severe situation but starting to pick up

Comments from the BOJ Governor:

  • Will watch impact of COVID-19 and take additional easing steps if needed without hesitation
  • Japan consumer prices likely to fall for the time being
  • Consumer prices likely to turn positive thereafter, gradually accelerate pace of increase as economy improves
This is a generally upbeat take but in like with what we’ve heard before.