The Bank of Japan is likely to raise interest rates next week barring any market shocks when U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office, and maintain a pledge to keep pushing up borrowing costs if the economy continues to recover,

TOKYO -- A majority of the Bank of Japan 's policy board is likely to favor an additional rate hike at the monetary policy meeting to be held next Thursday and Friday, multiple sources have told Nikkei, which would raise the BOJ's policy rate to 0.5%, a 17-year-high.

BOJ Gov. Kazuo Ueda reinforced his deputy’s message this week that his board will consider a rate hike at the meeting, boosting the yen and expectations for action.

The yen was poised on Friday for its strongest weekly performance in over a month as expectations grow that the Bank of Japan will raise rates next week, putting the dollar on the back foot ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House.

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.

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.

The yen is on course for its strongest weekly performance in over a month, fueled by expectations of a rate hike by the Bank of Japan. Traders anticipatively priced an 80% chance of a hike next week amidst positive economic indicators.