BANK of Japan (BOJ) Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said Saturday he would ease policy further if necessary to achieve its 2 percent inflation goal, while reiterating a commitment to continue with the current stimulus until prices are anchored there.

    Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bankers in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu, Kuroda maintained an upbeat view on the Japanese economy and price outlook in spite of rising market expectations for more BOJ monetary stimulus.

    A majority of economists polled by Reuters expect the BOJ to ease policy this week, forecasting a combination of measures in another attempt to kick-start inflation.

    “If the economy’s (recovery) trend continues, leading wages and prices to rise in a virtuous cycle, which is continuing, prices will eventually rise to the 2 percent price stability goal,” Kuroda said.

    “We always examine risk factors for the economy and prices and will take additional easing steps if necessary to achieve the price stability goal. I’ll explain that together with Japan’s economy, prices and monetary policy at this meeting.”

    Kuroda went on to say that the major topic of G20 debate is how Britain’s vote to exit the European Union would affect the global economy.

    “Uncertainty will continue, including negotiations between Britain and the EU, which will take years. So we will be paying attention to such things,” Kuroda said, adding that there was no change in expectations for global growth to rise despite Brexit.

    Kuroda also shrugged off speculation about “helicopter money,” saying that it would be prohibited by law if it meant the BOJ directly underwriting government debt.

    (SD-Agencies)