Stock prices continue to be weak, reflecting the uncertainty about the domestic economic outlook. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average is recently moving at around 8,500 yen. In the foreign exchange market, the yen has been strengthening somewhat, reflecting the weakening of the U.S. dollar on the whole mainly caused by the strained situation in the Middle East.
Decisions made by the Policy Board are executed by the Bank's staff, comprising the Governor, Deputy Governors, Executive Directors, and other staff. B. The schedule for MPMs  MPMs are held once or twice a month, the first meeting of the month being held over two days.