This week, the Statistics Bureau of Japan unveiled the latest core consumer price index (CPI) report for the country, revealing a surge to 3.5%. This figure comes as a surprise to analysts who had predicted a more modest 2.9% for the end of the quarter. It’s worth noting that Japan’s inflation has been steadily rising since June 2021. The timing of this uptick is also notable, as Kazuo Ueda has recently assumed the role of the 32nd governor of the Bank of Japan.
New BOJ Governor Faces Rising Inflation, Central Bank to Conduct Review of Monetary Policy Measures
In April, Japan experienced a surge in its year-over-year inflation rate — excluding fresh food and energy prices — which increased to 3.5%. This worsening inflation rate is a concern for the Bank of Japan (BOJ), which aims to bring the rate back down to the 2% range, like several central banks worldwide. However, the country’s economy is facing significant challenges, including the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in substantial stimulus measures and lockdown policies.
Moreover, Japan is grappling with a shrinking workforce, which could significantly affect its ability to sustain economic growth. These challenges are compounded by the fact that the BOJ has a new governor, Kazuo Ueda, who addressed his first monetary policy meetings on April 27 and 28. Ueda, a Japanese economist, has opted to keep interest rates unchanged, maintaining the negative rate that Japan has held since 2016.
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Author: Jamie Redman
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