0209 GMT - Japan's core inflation data released earlier today support a BOJ rate hike in its two-day meeting that ends on May 1, ING's Min Joo Kang says in a research report. Core inflation, excluding fresh food and energy, is more closely watched by the central bank, and edged higher to 2.6% in February from 2.5% in January, says the senior economist for South Korea and Japan. Although the core inflation rate was in line with market consensus, this marks the fifth consecutive monthly gain, the economist notes. The data also showed a steady on-month rise in services prices, which could justify a BOJ rate hike, the economist adds. (ronnie.harui@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 20, 2025 22:09 ET (02:09 GMT)
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