BOJ dissenter Sato backs gradual rate increases without a fixed timetable
The policymaker opposed September's increase but said future moves should depend on consumption and income, according to a media report.
BOJ's Sato supports gradual rate hikes but rejects a preset pace
The board member opposed September's rate increase, citing weak momentum in consumption and a lack of acceleration in underlying inflation.
Bank of Japan board member Ayano Sato favors interest rate increases in stages because she considers current financial conditions accommodative, according to a media report dated October 7. She said there should be no predetermined pace for further hikes.
In an interview, Sato said changes in consumption and income would determine when additional increases would be appropriate. Her support for staged adjustments follows her vote against the central bank's September rate hike.
Sato attributed that vote to a lack of momentum in consumer spending and underlying inflation that was not accelerating. She was one of two members who opposed the September decision.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appointed Sato, who took her seat on the BOJ's nine-member board in June.