Moreover, as the term itself, “negative interest rate,” sounds somewhat shocking, the measure has been the focus of attention in the newspapers and on TV day after day. Given the wide impact – on financial markets, the management of financial institutions, and people’s everyday lives – it will have, the measure has given rise to a variety of questions and concerns.
Today, I would like to explain the Bank’s thinking with regard to this policy and respond to frequently asked questions. I. Benefits for households and firms  Are there benefits for households and firms? To start with, I would like to explain the benefits of “QQE with a Negative Interest Rate” for households and firms.