AI Data Insight
The annual growth rate of Japan's core CPI in February 2026 (Q1 2026) fell to 1.6%, a further retreat from the previous 2.0% and lower than the market expectation of 1.7%. The main reason for this cooling is the government's resumption of electricity and gas subsidies, which suppressed energy prices. However, the core-core inflation, which excludes energy, remains high at 2.5%. Looking ahead, underlying price pressures remain solid, and the market assesses that this brief drop will not hinder the Bank of Japan's subsequent rate hike path.