Japan's Core Inflation Slows to 1.7% in August

Japan's core inflation slowed to 1.7% in August, according to official data released on Friday.

This reading is close to the 2% target set by the Bank of Japan (BoJ), which aims to ease inflationary pressure.

The figure is lower than market expectations, which had forecast the rate to hold steady at 1.8% in July.

Government support for gasoline and electricity fees contributed to the slower pace of inflation.