Japan's core consumer prices in May rose 3.2 per cent from a year earlier, data showed on Friday, slowing from the previous month but staying above the central bank's 2 per cent target for the 14th straight month. The reading casts doubt on the Bank of Japan's view that the recent cost-push inflation will prove temporary, and may keep alive expectations it could tweak its massive stimulus programme this year. The increase in the nationwide core consumer price index (CPI), which excludes fresh food but includes energy items, slightly exceeded a median market forecast for a 3.1 per cent rise. It was slower than a 3.4 ... (full story)