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Japan GDP Growth Strengthens Case for September BoJ Hike

9/8/2026

26 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Japan posted second-quarter GDP growth of 1.4% annualized, bolstering expectations of a Bank of Japan rate hike.
Nomura chief economist Kohei Okazaki said nothing blocks a September rate increase.
Nominal wages rose 4.7% in July, the fastest increase since 1997, marking a six-month streak above 3%.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will cut the food and soft-drink sales tax to 1% from April for two years.

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Story summary

Japan posted second-quarter GDP growth of 1.4% annualized, bolstering expectations of a Bank of Japan rate hike.
Nomura chief economist Kohei Okazaki said nothing blocks a September rate increase.
Nominal wages rose 4.7% in July, the fastest increase since 1997, marking a six-month streak above 3%.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will cut the food and soft-drink sales tax to 1% from April for two years.