New Delhi, Dec. 19 -- Bank of Japan's rate hike decision: Japanese stock markets reacted positively to the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) expected interest rate hike, with the flagship Nikkei 225 surging as much as 1.42% following the announcement on Friday, December 19.

BOJ raised the interest rates to the highest level in 30 years amid sticky inflation and signalled its willingness for further hikes beyond next year. This marks another step by the Japanese central bank towards ending decades of huge monetary support and near-zero borrowing costs.

In a widely expected move, the BOJ raised short-term interest rates to 0.75% from 0.5% in the first increase since January. The decision was made by a unanimous vote.

More to come.

Published by HT D...