Japan household inflation expectations rise, build case for BOJ rate hikes

TOKYO, July 16 : Japanese households' inflation expectations crept up and the ratio of those expecting prices to rise a year from now hit a record high, a quarterly central bank survey showed on Thursday, bolstering the case for further interest rate hikes.The survey, which followed a separate poll showing corporate inflation expectations rising to record levels, highlights broadening price pressures that will come under scrutiny at the Bank of Japan's next policy meeting on July 30 and 31.While the BOJ is set to keep interest rates steady this month, it will likely keep its guard up against inflationary risks, sources have told Reuters."When upside price risks are high as in the case now, a delay in making necessary adjustments to the degree of monetary support could materialise such risk