MNI BRIEF: BOJ Policy Statement To Add Clarity On ETF Buys

The Bank of Japan will likely reword the section of its statement that covers prioritized purchase of ETFs, underlining the current policy but adding a greater degree of clarity, MNI understands. The Bank will look to clarify that it stands ready to buy ETFs in size when there is a concern over higher risk premium, but note that there could be periods when there are no purchases, depending on market developments.

At present, the BOJ buys ETFs in a 'prioritized manner' but policymakers accept that the policy is misunderstood by some market players and legislators and will look to make what it refers to as a 'more lucid' explanation in the policy statement.

Former head of the Bank's markets division, Hiromi Yamaoka, told MNI recently that the BOJ's policy review would likely lead to greater clarity on EFT purchases.