The Bank will continue to conduct appropriate monetary policy without preconception, taking account of developments in economic activity and prices as well as financial conditions, while carefully examining various risks. Conclusion Before concluding my speech, I would like to touch on developments in the economy of the Tokai region.
Since the turn of the year, the regional economy has remained steady despite the slowdown in overseas economies affecting exports and production across Japan. Labor market conditions in the region have remained tight; for more than a year, the active job openings-to-applicants ratio has been around 2 times and the unemployment rate has been 2 percent or below.