Japan's core consumer prices fall at fastest pace in 10 years

Fear of deflation: Nationwide core consumer prices, which exclude volatile fresh food costs, fell 0.9% in November from a year earlier, government data showed on Friday, matching a median market forecast. (File pic shows a department store in Japan)

TOKYO: Japan's core consumer prices dropped at their fastest pace since late 2010 in November weighed by government's travel discount campaign and weak energy prices, raising fears of returning to deflation.

Nationwide core consumer prices, which exclude volatile fresh food costs, fell 0.9% in November from a year earlier, government data showed on Friday, matching a median market forecast.