BNP Paribas sees Japan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth slowing to 0.5% in 2026 from 1.1% in 2025 as the energy shock weighs on activity. Inflation is expected to stay above the 2% target through at least 2028. The Bank of Japan (BoJ) is projected to continue its gradual normalisation, with a 25 bp hike in Q2 2026 and a terminal rate of 2.0% by end-2027, while USD/JPY stabilises around 160.
"The energy shock is set to impact the strong momentum of the Japanese economy negatively."
"We expect annual GDP growth to stand at 0.5% in 2026, down from 1.1% in 2025."
"Inflation has generally overshot the 2% y/y target since 2022 and is expected to stay there through at least 2028."
"Accordingly, the Bank of Japan initiated a process of “adjustment in the degree of monetary accommodation” in 2024, lifting the policy rate to 0.75% so far (previously negative)."
"We expect the process to extend, including one hike (25pb) in Q2 2026, until a 2.0% terminal rate in end-2027."
(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor.)