BOJ keeps policy rate unchanged amid Iran uncertainty

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has decided to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged amid uncertainty over the situation in the Middle East.

The central bank said after its two-day policy meeting that ended on Tuesday it will continue to target a short-term rate of around 0.75 percent. It's the third time in a row that the BOJ has kept monetary policy unchanged following a rate hike in December. The BOJ also announced its outlook for economic activity and prices. It said the rise in crude oil prices will push up prices, mainly of energy and goods.