Japanese markets could be jolted next year if the central bank finds itself "behind the curve" in taming inflation, according to BlackRock Japan’s chief investment strategist Yuichi Chiguchi. The Bank of Japan is widely expected to increase its key policy rate next week by a quarter percentage point to 0.75 per cent, still well below an inflation rate that is around 3 per cent. If price growth accelerates into the second half of 2026, the BOJ could be forced into a faster tightening cycle, Chiguchi said. “They will have to chase it," Chiguchi said of BOJ policymakers. "This behind-the-curve scenario is one ... (full story)