The Bank of Japan raised the short-term interest rate from 0.25% to 0.5%, reaching a level not seen since 2008. This decision, made by majority vote, reflects the regulator's confidence that rising wages will support inflation at the 2% target. Following the announcement. the yen strengthened to localized lows. Analysts expect further rate hikes about every six months, given the revised inflation forecasts. Technically, in case of continuation of quotations decrease, the following zones of support may be found by the market closer to the level of 154.00, and then in the area of the 152.00 mark. 152.00.