0250 GMT - The Nikkei Stock Average extends gains modestly after the Bank of Japan leaves its policy rate unchanged, saying economic uncertainty remains high due partly to trade policies overseas. The Nikkei Stock Average is up 0.7% at 38107.27 at midday, compared with a 0.6% rise prior to the BOJ outcome. USD/JPY is at 149.38 after rising briefly to 149.54, compared with 149.33 prior to the policy decision. Investors will be closely watching BOJ Gov. Kazuo Ueda's press conference later in the day for any hints of future policy action. (kosaku.narioka@wsj.com; @kosakunarioka)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 18, 2025 22:50 ET (02:50 GMT)
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