Japan¡¯s key inflation gauge has risen further above the Bank of Japan¡¯s target level of 2%, a result that will likely keep speculation smoldering over possible policy adjustments at the central bank ¡ª despite Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda¡¯s continued commitment to ultralow rates.
Consumer prices excluding fresh food climbed at a faster pace of 2.2% in June from a year earlier, with the main contributors being energy costs amplified by a weaker yen and higher processed food prices, according to internal affairs ministry data released Friday.
The result matched economists¡¯ estimates and would have been stronger without the impact of ramped-up government measures to limit gains in fuel prices.
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