The Bank of Japan is likely to decide next week to extend a range of steps aimed at easing corporate funding strains as a resurgence of coronavirus infections clouds the economic outlook, sources familiar with its thinking said.
The measures, due to expire in March, will likely be extended for at least half a year as a precaution against the deepening pain from COVID-19, four sources said on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly.
"With so much uncertainty over the outlook, it's desirable for the BOJ to reach a decision on the extension as early as possible," said one of the sources. That view was echoed by three other sources.