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Japan's core consumer prices slip into deflation for first time in three years
Japan’s core consumer prices fell for the first time in more than three years in April on an annual basis, as weak oil prices and coronavirus lockdown measures heightened deflation risks. The April data was released just before the central bank announced a new loan scheme on Friday aimed at boosting lending to small and mid-sized firms hit by the pandemic. The weak prices come after the virus knocked Japan’s economy into recession in the first quarter, as consumer and business activity slumped, derailing the BOJ’s efforts to achieve its elusive 2% inflation target. The core consumer price index, which includes ... (full story)