Bank of Japan policy review announcement due today - preview

The much-awaited BOJ review of its monetary policy is aimed at making its programme of support sustainable for longer.

I highlighted what to expect yesterday:

• BOJ policy review to be released Friday March 19 - the two steps to watch for

And Japanese media confirmed a little later in the session:

• Japanese media report the BOJ will widen its target yield band for 10-year JGBs to plus/minus 0.25%

There is no time scheduled for the announcement, after 0230GMT is a good bet. The Bank will be keen to ensure what it changes is not perceived as a reduction in policy support, Bank of Japan Governor Kuroda will likely emphasise this, and also that the Bank stands ready to do more if needed, at his news conference that will follow at 0630 GMT.