Japan's core inflation slows for 2nd month, takes pressure off BOJ

TOKYO: Japan's core inflation stayed above the central bank's 2% target in December but slowed for a second straight month, data showed on Friday, reinforcing expectations it will be in no hurry to phase out its massive monetary stimulus.

The data, which matched median market forecasts, highlights receding inflationary pressure from raw material imports and heightens the chance the Bank of Japan will maintain ultra-low interest rates at next week's meeting.