MOST JAPANESE BANKS COULD TOLERATE 3% INTEREST RATE RISE: S&P

TOKYO - Most Japanese financial institutions could meet required capital levels even if interest rates rise three percentage points from 2012 levels, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services says in a report published today. S&P points out that the bank of Japan (BOJ) aims to defeat deflation within the next two years or so. “If realising this target becomes highly likely, Standard & Poor's expects long-term interest rates in Japan to rise,” the report says.