Japan - Inflationsrate

Japan's consumer price inflation stood at 0.2 percent year-on-year in October of 2019, unchanged from September and below market expectations of 0.3 percent. It remained the lowest inflation rate since February despite a sales tax hike during the month, with fuel prices falling for the first time in 31 months and cost of transport declining for the eleventh straight month. On a seasonally adjusted basis, consumer prices were flat for the third straight month.

Japan's consumer price inflation fell to 0.2 percent year-on-year in September 2019 from 0.3 percent in the previous month and well below market expectations of 0.4 percent. It was the lowest inflation rate in seven months, mainly pushed down by lower gasoline prices. The latest reading raises the chances of further stimulus after the Bank of Japan decided to leave policy unchanged during its September meeting but left the window wide open for easing, calling for a review of prices and the economy in October. Annual core consumer inflation, which excludes fresh food, was at 0.3 percent in August, the lowest since April 2017.

Japan's consumer price inflation fell to 0.3 percent year-on-year in August 2019 from 0.5 percent in the previous month and well below market expectations of 0.6 percent. It was the lowest inflation rate in six months, raising the chances of further stimulus after the Bank of Japan decided to leave policy unchanged during its September meeting but left the window wide open for easing, calling for a review of prices and the economy in October. Annual core consumer inflation, which excludes fresh food, was at 0.5 percent in August, the lowest in over two years.

Japan's consumer price inflation fell to 0.5 percent year-on-year in July 2019 from 0.7 percent in the previous month and in line with market expectations. It was the lowest inflation rate since March, amid a slowdown in food prices and a fall for the eighth consecutive month in cost of transport and communication. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.1 percent in July, following a flat reading in the previous two months.

Japan's consumer price inflation came in at 0.7 percent year-on-year in June 2019, unchanged from the previous month and matching market expectations. A faster rise in cost of food and housing was offset by a steeper decline in prices of transport and communication. The annual core consumer inflation, which excludes fresh food, fell to 0.6 percent, the lowest since July 2017, from 0.8 percent in May. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, consumer prices were flat for the second consecutive month.

Japan's consumer price inflation fell to 0.7 percent year-on-year in May 2019 from a six month-high of 0.9 percent in the prior month and in line with market consensus. The slowdown in headline inflation was mainly led by electricity, transportation & communication and housing. Meanwhile, prices of food rose for the second straight month. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, consumer prices were unchanged in May, after a 0.1 percent gain in April.