Odaily News The Bank of Japan kept its policy rate unchanged, in line with market expectations, while reiterating that it was on track to achieve its goals of stable inflation and economic growth. Most BOJ watchers were not surprised by Thursday's decision, as the BOJ governor had expressed more concerns about the increasingly uncertain global economic outlook long in advance. He also said the BOJ had time to analyze risk factors, suggesting it would continue to tread carefully. In its quarterly outlook, also released on Thursday, the BOJ said it expects inflation to remain around its 2% target for the next few years. The closely watched report will reinforce expectations that policymakers will soon raise interest rates again. (Jinshi)