Today's statement makes it clear that the monetary authorities truly believe they are in an extremely aggressive policy stance. And if they do feel that way, you can be sure they will feel the need to unwind that aggressive stance rapidly when growth does return.

The tone of the statement, which I read as being surprisingly upbeat, considering everything we've heard, seemed to indicate that the whole idea that they might buy [longer-term bonds] is off the table, ... Unless we have real signs the economy is faltering, we may have already seen the bottom in mid-to-long-term rates.

Monetary policy is not a panacea.

Investors may take a wait-and-see stance until the Bank of Japan comes out with its policy statement.

Domestic inflation reflects domestic monetary policy.

Our stance is firm and clear.