Asien: Inflation in Japan zieht an – Zinserhöhung im September immer wahrscheinlicher
Hohe Importkosten und ein schwacher Yen wirken sich auf die Verbraucher aus. Experten gehen davon aus, dass die Währungshüter den Leitzins von einem Prozent auf 1,25 Prozent anheben werden.
Tokio - Japan's core inflation accelerated in July, increasing the likelihood of a further interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) later this month. The core consumer price index, excluding fresh food, rose 1.8 percent compared to the previous year, meeting market expectations. In June, the rate stood at 1.6 percent. The rise is attributed to companies passing on higher import costs to consumers due to a weak yen and the aftermath of the US-Israel war against Iran.
The data released on Friday could play a crucial role in the upcoming BOJ's interest rate decision on September 17-18, as experts predict the central bank may raise the policy rate from 1 percent to 1.25 percent. Despite the increase, core inflation remained below the central bank's target of 2 percent for the seventh consecutive month, primarily due to government subsidies to curb fuel costs.
Another index, which includes energy costs in addition to fresh food and is considered a more reliable indicator of underlying price trends by the BOJ, climbed to 1.9 percent in July from 1.7 percent the previous month. Analysts expect inflation to surpass the bank's target in coming months as rising raw material costs are passed on.
The BOJ raised interest rates in June to a 31-year high of 1 percent, warning of rising inflation risks in July, more strongly than ever before.
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