Japan's September core CPI rose 2.1% year-on-year, exceeding the central bank's 2% target for the first time in nine months! Broadening inflation strengthens expectations of a near-term rate hike.

Zhitong Finance APP has learned that data released on Friday showed that Japan's September core Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.1% year-on-year, exceeding the Bank of Japan's 2% inflation target for the first time in nine months, indicating that price pressures are spreading and reinforcing market expectations of a near-term rate hike. The figure matched the median market forecast, compared with a 1.7% year-on-year increase in August.