The Bank of Japan on Thursday maintained its ultra-easy monetary policy and emergency loan programs for the coronavirus-hit economy, as the nation experienced its first leadership change in nearly eight years. The decision came as the stock market has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, while exports expanded in August for the third straight month. New Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who was sworn in on Wednesday, has voiced his backing for BOJ Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda. Suga said on Wednesday that he will continue the policies pursued under Shinzo Abe, his predecessor as prime minister, including aggressive fiscal and ... (full story)