[Institution: Bank of Japan's Rate Hike Pace May Be Slightly Faster Than Previously Expected] Golden Finance reports that economists at BNP Paribas stated that Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's expansionary fiscal policies might further drive inflation, leading to expectations that the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates at a pace slightly faster than previously anticipated. Analysts predict that the Bank of Japan will hike rates in April and then continue tightening policies every four to five months until the policy rate reaches 2%. The report noted: 'Depending on future exchange rate trends, the possibility of advancing the next rate hike to March cannot be ruled out.' Japanese officials have previously warned that the government is prepared to take measures against excessive fluctuations in the yen. (Jin10)