Japan's Inflation Conundrum: A Rate Hike or Relief? The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has gained some breathing room on its rate hike plans after core inflation eased to 1. 4% in April, below market expectations.
This marks the fourth consecutive month that price growth has fallen short of the central bank's 2% target.
Consumers have been feeling the pinch from a weak yen and soaring import costs, but this trend is a welcome respite for households.