BOJ Inflation Gauge Stays Above Target Amid Rate Hike Speculation

The Bank of Japan's inflation gauge remains above target despite speculation about a rate hike. According to the BOJ, its consumer-price measure rose by 2.3% in July from a year earlier on a 2025-base basis.

This increase is compared to the government's core inflation measure, which excludes fresh food and showed a 1.8% rise in the same period.

The BOJ's data suggests that a rate hike in September may be on track, as widespread expectations point towards an increase in interest rates.