Japan’s key consumer price gauge hit the lowest level since 2017, as the Bank of Japan fans speculation of additional stimulus at its policy meeting next month. Consumer prices excluding fresh food rose 0.5% in August from a year earlier, matching economists’ median estimate, according to the internal affairs ministry. Key Insights BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said Thursday that he was more positive toward easing than at last month’s meeting, and needed to pay closer attention to the possibility of losing momentum toward its 2% inflation target as overseas economies decelerate. Japan’s key inflation gauge hasn’t ... (full story)