On Tuesday, inflation figures for Tokyo garnered investor interest early in the session. The core annual inflation rate accelerated from 1.6% to 2.5% in February. The annual inflation rate picked up from 1.6% to 2.6%. Economists forecast rates of 2.5% and 2.1%, respectively. The move through the 2.0% target raised bets on an April Bank of Japan pivot from negative rates. Later this morning, finalized Services PMI numbers also need consideration. The Bank of Japan recently signaled an increase in reliance on the services sector to fuel demand-driven inflationary pressure. According to the preliminary survey, the Jibun ... (full story)