Most economists polled by the media expect the Bank of Japan to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged next week before raising it in December or January next year. Almost all 53 BOJ watchers expect the BOJ to hold rates on 31 October, the survey showed. Some 53 per cent expect the BOJ to raise rates in December, the most popular timing. Those expecting a rate hike in January jumped to 32 per cent from 19 per cent, while expectations for a rate hike this month fell.