Bank of Japan (BOJ) officials see little need to adjust its yield curve control programme in a policy meeting next week, given improvement in the functioning of the bond market and the smooth shape of the yield curve, according to people familiar with the matter. 

The officials also recognise that inflation is running stronger than they expected, a factor that raises the chance of the BOJ upgrading its inflation forecast in a quarterly economic outlook report in July, according to the people familiar. 

Still, officials aren’t confident enough to say achievement of the BOJ’s 2% price target is in sight, pointing to the need for continued monetary stimulus, the people said.

Governor Kazuo Ueda and his fellow board members will conclude a two-day policy meeting on June 16. 

The final policy decision will be made after assessing economic data and developments in financial markets up until the last moment, the people said. 

Almost all economists expect no major policy shift in the meeting, according to a Bloomberg survey. 

  - Bloomberg