The annual consumer inflation rate in Tokyo, a leading indicator of the national average, rose 0.7% y/y in January, propped up by high prices for food ex-perishables and service prices, data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications showed Friday. The gain slowed from +0.8% in December due to lower prices for household durable goods on the back of weak consumer demand. The key points from the latest Tokyo CPI data: --The Tokyo core consumer price index (excluding fresh food) rose 0.7% y/y in January, weaker than the MNI median economist forecast of +0.8%. This was the 31st straight y/y rise following ... (full story)