BOJ's Ueda: Underlying Inflation 'Quite Close' to 2% Target

BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda stated that underlying inflation is 'quite close' to the 2% target, signaling a potential shift toward policy normalization. This marks a notable hawkish turn from the BOJ's long-standing ultra-loose stance, though the timing of any rate hike remains uncertain. Markets will watch for signals on the pace of tightening.