The central bank policy rate in Japan stood at 0.5 percent in February 2025. In March 2024, the Bank of Japan raised short-term interest rates for the first time in 17 years, ending its negative interest rate policy. From August 2024 onwards, the central bank encouraged the uncollaterized overnight call rate to remain at 0.25 percent. A third rate hike to 0.5 percent was implemented in January 2025. In 2016, the Bank of Japan had introduced a policy of quantitative and qualitative monetary easing (QQE) with yield curve control, one component of which included controlling short-term and long-term interest rates through market operations.

Canada's inflation rate experienced significant fluctuations from 2018 to 2025. Inflation peaked at 8.1 percent in June 2022 before steadily declining to 1.9 percent by January 2025. In response to rising inflation between 2020 and 2022, the Bank of Canada implemented aggressive interest rate hikes. The bank rate reached a maximum of 5.25 percent in July 2023 and remained stable until June 2024. As inflationary pressures eased in the second half of 2024, the central bank reduced interest rates to 3.5 percent in December 2024. This pattern reflected broader global economic trends, with most advanced and emerging economies experiencing similar inflationary challenges and monetary policy adjustments. Global context of inflation and interest rates The Canadian experience aligns with the broader international trend of central banks raising policy rates to combat inflation. Between 2021 and 2023, nearly all advanced and emerging economies increased their central bank rates. However, a shift occurred in the latter half of 2024, with many countries, including Canada, beginning to lower rates. This change suggests a new phase in the global economic cycle and monetary policy approach. Notably, among surveyed countries, Russia maintained the highest interest rate in early 2025, while Japan had the lowest rate. Comparison with the United States The United States experienced a similar trajectory in inflation and interest rates. U.S. inflation peaked at 9.1 percent in June 2022, slightly higher than Canada's peak. The Federal Reserve responded with a series of rate hikes, reaching 5.33 percent in August 2023. This rate remained unchanged until September 2024, when the first cut since September 2021 was implemented. In contrast, Canada's bank rate peaked at 5.25 percent and began decreasing earlier, with cuts in June and July 2024. These differences highlight the nuanced approaches of central banks in managing their respective economies amid global inflationary pressures.