BOJ’s Iwata: Still need monetary easing, do not see need to raise rates now

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) Deputy Governor Kikuo Iwata is out on the wires now, making a scheduled speech on Japan’s economy and monetary policy.

Main Headlines via Reuters:

Inflation still lacking momentum, distant from our price target

Risks on Japan price outlook skewed toward downside

Must continue powerful monetary easing to push down real interest rates

Still need monetary easing, do not see need to raise rates now

Don't think time to reduce level of accommodation

It is true inflation has been slow, despite corporate profits at record levels, job market near full employment

Expect Japan inflation to gradually accelerate towards BOJ's 2% target

Labour shortage will raise productivity & encourage growth

Calls to abandon 2% inflation target do not take into account lessons policymakers learned dealing with Lehman crisis