大米与加工食品推升通胀 日本央行10月加息预期升温

Core Insights - Despite a slowdown in the pace of price growth, Japan's consumer inflation remains significantly above the Bank of Japan's target of 2%, driven by persistently high rice prices, leading to increased market speculation about a potential interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan this year [1][6][7] Inflation Data - The core Consumer Price Index (CPI) in July rose by 3.1% year-on-year, slightly down from 3.3% in the previous month, while economists had expected a 3.0% increase [1][7] - A deeper price measure, excluding both energy and fresh food, remained stable at a 3.4% increase, indicating persistent inflationary pressures in Japan [1][4] Economic Commentary - Economists emphasize that a decline in core CPI does not necessarily indicate weakening inflation, as food prices continue to rise, reflecting companies' willingness to pass on costs to consumers [4][8] - The recent drop in energy prices contributed to the overall inflation slowdown, but underlying price pressures remain strong due to rising rice prices and labor costs [4][5] Market Expectations - Market expectations for a rate hike by the Bank of Japan have increased, with a 51% probability of a rate increase by the end of October, up from 45% prior to the inflation data release [7][8] - The yield on 10-year Japanese government bonds reached its highest level since 2008, driven by market bets on rising policy rates [7] Political Context - Rising living costs have led to significant public dissatisfaction, impacting the recent elections and putting pressure on Prime Minister Kishida's government to consider more fiscal measures to support consumers [5][8] Future Projections - Economists predict that while the Bank of Japan could raise rates based on inflation data, they may wait to assess wage growth dynamics and the impact of monetary policy on global markets, with December or January being more likely for a rate hike, though October remains a possibility [8]