Upcoming BOJ rate decision might help gold prices

Upcoming BOJ rate decision to be key for direction of yen and likely to help gold if rates unchanged, market unsure about BOJ strategy after it left rates unchanged last month despite signs of greater economic strength, build up in yen carry trades.

Voting split will be scrutinized, with last vote 6:3 to stand pat suggesting move toward higher interest rates.

Should rate stay the same, inflation concerns for yen may see Japanese investors turn to gold.