https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-raises-interest-rates-in-a-decision-muddied-by-u-s-pressureContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-raises-interest-rates-in-a-decision-muddied-by-u-s-pressurehttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-raises-interest-rates-in-a-decision-muddied-by-u-s-pressure#u76972Sun, 20 Sep 2026 02:11:42 +0000The Bank of Japan raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 1.25%, the highest level since 1995. Despite the hike, the Japanese yen slumped to a two-week low against the US dollar because the move aligned with market expectations. The central bank cited inflation concerns as a driver for the decision. While the hike makes US assets less attractive to Tokyo investors, Bitcoin rose against the yen following the announcement. The New York Times reports the decision occurred under pressure from the United States.Why it mattersJapan has historically maintained ultra-low interest rates to combat d