The Bank of Japan will raise interest rates again at one of the two meetings this quarter to 0.50%, an overwhelming majority of economists surveyed by Reuters said, with most leaning toward a January move.

Bank of Japan officials see a good chance of an interest rate hike next week as long as the arrival of Donald Trump at the White House doesn’t trigger too many negative surprises, according to people familiar with the matter.

Japan's annual wholesale inflation held steady at 3.8% in December on stubbornly high food costs, data showed on Thursday, highlighting persistent price pressures that may prod the central bank to raise interest rates next week.

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino reiterated that the central bank will raise rates if its outlook continues to be realized, while adding that there are risks both at home and abroad that require attention.

The deputy governor said the bank will discuss whether to raise the policy rate or not at the meeting, based on the latest outlook on the economy and prices.

The remarks, which echo those made by BOJ Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino on Tuesday, pushed up the yen as markets continued to price in the chance of a rate hike at the bank's next policy meeting on Jan. 23-24.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said Wednesday the bank will debate whether to raise its key rate at its policy meeting next week a