Due to geopolitical uncertainties facing central banks worldwide, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group has postponed its expectation for a Bank of Japan (BOJ) interest rate hike from April to June. Analysts at the firm stated, "Given the limited availability of hard economic data following escalating tensions in the Middle East, the BOJ is likely to proceed cautiously." However, with inflation-adjusted interest rates in Japan remaining at "extremely low" levels, this should prompt BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda to indicate a willingness to implement monetary tightening measures at next week's press conference to prevent increased inflationary pressures. (Jinshi)