1. The Bank of Japan says it will raise its benchmark interest rate to around 0.75 percent. That’s the highest level in 30 years.
2. The European Central Bank has left its key interest rate unchanged amid signs consumer price increases are likely to hold near its target. The ECB’s Governing Council on Thursday said it will keep its benchmark deposit facility rate at 2 percent.
3. A Shinto shrine in central Japan has put up a huge “hagoita” wooden paddle bearing a picture of a horse. The horse is next year’s zodiac sign.