Global Market: Japan reaffirms BOJ independence in economic blueprint after market jitters

Japan's revised economic blueprint adds a footnote reaffirming the Bank of Japan's independence in monetary policy, addressing market concerns sparked by an earlier draft that appeared to suggest government influence over BOJ rate decisions. The omission had triggered a selloff in the yen and Japanese government bonds amid fears the government might delay further rate hikes. Separately, the blueprint states the government will decide by early August on whether to cut the 8 percent consumption tax on food.