核心通胀继续“狂飙”！日本央行加息倒计时？

Group 1 - Japan's core inflation rose at its fastest pace in over two years in April, with the core consumer price index (CPI) increasing by 3.5% year-on-year, surpassing market expectations of 3.4% and up from 3.2% in March, indicating persistent inflation above the Bank of Japan's 2% target for over three years [1][2] - The inflation rate for food accelerated from 6.2% in March to 7.0% in April, driven by significant price increases in various food items, including a 98.6% rise in rice prices and a 31% increase in chocolate prices [2] - The Bank of Japan is expected to consider another interest rate hike by October, despite market skepticism due to the impact of U.S. trade tensions, with a slight majority of economists predicting a 25 basis point increase by year-end [1][3] Group 2 - A separate inflation index, excluding fuel and fresh food, rose by 3.0% year-on-year in April, up from 2.9% in March, indicating strong underlying demand-driven price pressures [2] - Service sector inflation was more subdued at 1.3% in April, down from 1.4% in March, suggesting companies are slow to pass on rising labor costs [2] - The potential for further increases in consumer prices in May is anticipated as the effects of government measures to curb inflation wane, with ongoing global weather patterns and rice supply shortages likely to keep food prices elevated [2]