The Bank of Japan kept its record stimulus unchanged on Wednesday amid growing speculation that signs of a recession will press it to act at the end of the month.

The immediate focus now turns to whether the BOJ will adjust its monetary policy on Oct. 30, when it provides an update on its outlook for inflation and economic growth.

At a news conference following the decision, BOJ Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda reiterated his view that an inflationary trend remains in place.