AI Data Insight
The annual growth rate of Japan's core consumer price index (CPI) for August 2026 (Q3) came in at 1.7%, pulling back from the previous month's 1.8% and falling short of the market consensus of 1.8%. The decline was primarily driven by the government's energy subsidy policies, which resulted in negative growth in energy prices; however, the "core-core CPI" excluding energy remained steady at 1.9%. Overall underlying inflationary pressures demonstrate resilience, with the market continuing to focus on the Bank of Japan's potential interest rate hike moves before the end of the year.