AI Data Insight
The latest data for Japan's Q2 2026 core-core CPI index (excluding fresh food and energy) rose to 106.5, continuing to climb from the previous value of 106.3. Although the index maintained growth, affected by subsidy policies such as the Japanese government's free education, market consensus shows that its year-on-year (YoY) growth rate has dropped to 1.9%, falling short of the expected 2.2%. Looking ahead, imported inflation pressure and the wage increase from the Shunto (spring wage offensive) will be the key to determining whether the Bank of Japan (BOJ) will further raise interest rates.