Bank of Japan (BOJ) On Friday, the central bank announced it would keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1%, in line with market expectations. However, Board Member Takada cast a dissenting vote, advocating for further rate hikes, which indicates internal divisions over the path to monetary policy normalization. The central bank also raised its GDP growth forecast for the next two years and reaffirmed its 2% inflation target.The statement emphasized that exchange rate fluctuations, the situation in the Middle East, and global demand for artificial intelligence will be key variables influencing the timing of future policy decisions.