Bank of Japan to announce interest rate decision today

Investors are closely watching Japanese markets today as the Bank of Japan prepares to announce its decision on interest rates. Many expect the central bank to keep rates steady at 0.5%. Asian markets are predicted to decline on Wednesday. This follows a drop in technology stocks on Wall Street. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index is expected to open lower. Futures in Chicago show it at 37,630, while Osaka futures indicate 37,520. The last close for the Nikkei was 37,845.42. Additional economic data from Japan is also on the way. Trade figures for February will be released soon. A Reuters poll suggests that exports may rise by 12.1% compared to last year, up from 7.3% in January. Imports are expected to increase slightly by 0.1%, down from 16.2% previously. In other markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index futures indicate a weak start, showing 24,716 against its previous close of 24,740.57. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index opened 0.61% lower today.