By Leika Kihara

TOKYO (Reuters) – Bank of Japan policymakers agreed in October to continue raising interest rates if the economy performs according to their forecast, but some stressed the need for caution given the uncertain outlook, meeting minutes showed. appeared on Tuesday.

The central bank left interest rates steady at 0.25% at its October 30-31 meeting but projected inflation to hover around its 2% target in the coming years, signaling that it is on track to raise rates. cost of borrowing in the near horizon.

The nine-member board shared the view that the BOJ would continue to raise interest rates if its economic and price projections were met, the minutes showed.

But many members also emphasized the need to continue to examine the risks surrounding the economies abroad, including the United States, and still unstable markets.

“We must guide monetary policy cautiously given heightening uncertainty at home and abroad,” a member was quoted as saying in explaining why the BOJ should stand down in October.

The BOJ kept rates unchanged at a next meeting in December to await more data on whether wages will continue to rise strongly next year, and to get more clarity on policies. by US president-elect Donald Trump.