BoJ may hold off boosting asset purchases

TOKYO: The Bank of Japan (BoJ) is expected to hold off on boosting asset purchases when it reviews policy next week, preferring instead to save ammunition as Europe's deepening debt crisis could warrant action in coming months to fend off damage to the fragile economy.

BoJ officials, keeping a wary eye on developments in Europe, are ready to pull the trigger if fears of a Greek exit from the eurozone push the yen well above its record high and hit share prices enough to threaten Japan's recovery prospects.