Reuters exclusively reports BOJ discussing phasing out pandemic support as economy reopens

Reuters exclusively reported that the Bank of Japan is discussing phasing out a COVID-19 loan program if infections in the country continue to dwindle, potentially setting the bank up to exit a key crisis-mode policy sooner than investors expect. Markets have been anticipating a third extension of the scheme, set to expire in March. But with corporate funding strains easing, infections falling sharply and the world’s third-biggest economy reopening, some policymakers are contemplating ending the emergency program in March.