TMTPOST--A majority of economists expect the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to increase interest rates by the end of the year, according to a Reuters poll published Wednesday. Among the 54 economists surveyed from August 13-19, 57%—or 31 respondents—forecast a rate hike before year-end, with those specifying a month predominantly favoring December. This outlook reflects the analysts' belief that the BOJ remains committed to gradually moving away from its long-standing policy of extensive monetary stimulus, even as other major central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, consider rate cuts. The median forecast suggests the BOJ will raise the rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 0.50% by year-end. Of the 22 economists who anticipated a rate increase and also provided a specific month for the change, about two-thirds predicted a move in December, while one-third expected the adjustment in October.