Japan Wholesale Inflation Slows Sharply to 6.8 Percent

Japan wholesale inflation slowed to 6.8% in September, reducing immediate pressure for interest rate hikes.

Japanese wholesale inflation slowed to 6.8% in September from a year earlier, easing from 7.6% in August. The deceleration in input prices reduces the immediate pressure on the central bank to implement further interest rate hikes. Elevated inflation readings, however, mean policymakers continue to weigh additional monetary tightening.

• The figuresWholesale input costs advanced 6.8% in September compared to the same month last year.
• The contextThe slower pace follows consecutive months of broader inflationary pressures driven by steady wage growth.