Survey: Japan's core CPI in February may fall below the Bank of Japan's target of 2%

The core consumer inflation rate in Japan is expected to slow for the first time in nearly four years to below the Bank of Japan's target of 2%. According to a survey of economists by data provider Quick, government data scheduled to be released on Tuesday may show that consumer prices, excluding fresh food, rose 1.7% year-on-year in February. This is down from a 2.0% increase in January. With the uncertainty brought by the tense situation in the Middle East casting a shadow over the economic outlook, this slowdown may give the Bank of Japan more time to consider its next tightening measures.