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Japan Feb Core CPI Edged Down; Energy Drops
Japan's annual core consumer inflation rate edged down in February due a quick drop in energy prices, according to data from the Ministry of International Affairs and Communication released on Thursday. The key points from the latest CPI data: -- The national average core consumer price index (excluding fresh food) rose 0.6% y/y in February, in line with the MNI median forecast and slower than the previous 0.8% y/y gain. The increase marks the 38th straight monthly rise. -- Energy costs fell 0.2% y/y, down from the 0.8% y/y gain recorded in January, and contributed -0.01 percentage point to CPI against the 0.08 ... (full story)