The Bank of Japan maintained ultra-low interest rates and its pledged to keep supporting the economy until inflation sustainably hits its 2% target. Core inflation in Japan hit 3.1% in August, staying above the BOJ's 2% target for a 17th straight month, in a sign of broadening price pressures. Markets have been speculating the BOJ will soon end its negative interest rates and yield curve control policy. Still, BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda said there were too many uncertainties to pre-determine the timing of an exit from ultra-loose policy. The yen fell on Ueda's remarks.