Japan's consumer price index fell 0.1 percent in 2012
for the fourth straight year of declines, adding to pressure on the central
bank to ease monetary policy as the government presses for an end to deflation.
The government reported Friday that the price index, which
excludes fresh foods, also dipped 0.2 percent in December. Although the trend
was expected, it likely will add to pressure on the central bank governor,
Masaaki Shirakawa, to further ease monetary policy.
The news comes just days after the government
and central bank joined in setting a 2 percent inflation target aimed at
helping the country emerge from its prolonged spell of falling prices that are
thought to be discouraging business investment and stalling recovery for the
world's third-largest economy.
Post a Comment