The yen was trading at more than 126 against the dollar at one time, reaching the lowest level since May 2002

The data added to concerns that Japanese firms are holding off on investments amid a profit squeeze from rising energy and raw materials costs

The deficit could reach $130 billion for fiscal 2022 if crude oil bounces back to $130 a barrel and the yen trades at 120 against the dollar

The Bank of Japan must maintain ultra-easy policy for a prolonged period to sustainably hit its 2% inflation target, the fund said in a staff report

Asia’s major stock markets advanced on Tuesday but gains were tempered by concerns over the impact of Covid lockdowns in China’s financial hub

While the BOJ had made no decision yet whether to issue its own digital currency, its governor told parliament it was proceeding with experiments

The benefit from a weak yen comes more through an increase in the value of profits companies earn overseas, rather than a rise in export volume

Data show the Japanese economy grew at a smaller rate than expected in the fourth quarter

Inflation remains subdued due to a delay in the economy's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and the public's sticky deflationary mindset, the BOJ governor said

Latest estimates bring home the benefit of the Bank of Japan's powerful monetary easing, which has effectively served to bankroll public debt

The world's third-largest economy is likely to improve due to robust exports, as well as the boost from ultra-easy monetary policy

The combined 2.05 trillion yen ($17.94 billion) in loans will be disbursed on Friday and mature in January 2023, the central bank said in a statement