The Bank of Japan retained its primary monetary stimulus target unchanged and set out operational changes for purchasing exchange-traded funds, government bonds, and real estate investment trusts.

The Japanese central bank continued expanding its monetary base at an annual pace of ¥80 trillion ($650 billion). Investors will now turn their attention to BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda’s news conference later in the day.

Since the BOJ’s last policy meeting in November, figures showed Japan averted a midyear recession. People privy to the discussions at the central bank said the economy has been gradually gaining momentum in line with the central bank’s projections.

The material has been provided by InstaForex Company – www.instaforex.com