Research firm Mizuho Research and Technologies estimated the impact of rising food and energy prices on different income brackets in Japan, based on the assumption that the price of crude oil will be approximately $108 per barrel and the exchange rate will remain at around ¥135 per US dollar. In addition, the study assumed the core consumer price index (excluding volatile fresh food) will continue to rise year on year by around 2%. According to the forecast, even if the government extends beyond September the drastic easing measures, such as subsidies to keep fuel prices below a certain point, household expenditures ... (full story)