The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is unlikely to make any alterations to its special covid funding program amid uncertainties posed by the new Omicron covid variant, the latest Bloomberg survey of 44 analysts showed on Friday.

Key takeaways

“Some 61% of 44 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg expect a partial extension of the Covid aid for businesses set to end in March.”

“Another quarter sees the program extended in the current form.” 

“The BOJ won’t touch any of its main policy settings at the meeting, according to 91% of respondents.”

“With the omicron variant adding uncertainties to the outlook, a vast majority of surveyed economists expect a decision on the funding program to be made in January or March.”

“Some 47% of economists said they agree with Kuroda’s assessment that the yen’s current weakness is “certainly” positive for the overall economy.”

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