IMF says further Japan rate hikes should be data-driven, gradual

WASHINGTON, March 6 (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund on Thursday said it had been supportive of the Bank of Japan's monetary policy decisions, and further hikes in interest rates should be data-driven and proceed at a gradual pace.

IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack told reporters that Japanese authorities have committed to a flexible exchange rate, a policy that has helped the economy absorb the impact of shocks.