BOJ to only exit negative rates in April, but March cannot be ruled out - poll

The Bank of Japan is likely to only exit negative interest rates in April, but it cannot be ruled out that it may do so in March, according to a Reuters poll of economists.

The central bank has been under pressure to ease its ultra-loose monetary policy further to support the economy, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The poll also found that most economists expect the BOJ to maintain its current policy stance at its next meeting in March, but some believe that the central bank may decide to exit negative rates earlier than expected.

The BOJ has been using negative interest rates as a tool to stimulate the economy, but it has faced criticism for the negative impact it has had on the financial sector.

The central bank has been reviewing its policy framework and is expected to announce its decision on negative rates in the coming months.

Overall, the poll suggests that the BOJ is likely to only exit negative rates in April, but there is a possibility that it may do so in March depending on the economic situation.