Japan’s core-core inflation decelerated in May, marking its slowest pace in eight months amid easing price pressures.
Japan’s core-core consumer price index, excluding food and energy, rose at its slowest rate since September 2024 in May. The deceleration suggests a cooling of inflationary pressures in the world’s third-largest economy.
The slowdown follows a period of elevated price growth, with prior months showing stronger increases. Analysts had anticipated a moderation, though the extent of the decline may influence Bank of Japan policy expectations.
The yen traded near 159.60 per dollar ahead of official Ministry of Finance intervention data, with markets speculating on potential currency defense measures.