Japan Core Inflation Rises to 1.8% as Energy Prices Surge

Japan's core inflation rose to 1.8% in March, the first increase in five months, aligning with economist expectations and up from 1.6% in February. Headline inflation increased to 1.5%, while the core-core inflation dropped to 2.4%. More than 83% of respondents in a Bank of Japan survey anticipate higher prices within a year. As the Bank of Japan is expected to hold rates at 0.75% during its upcoming meeting, analysts suggest that higher energy prices could drive inflation and expectations upwards, impacting future monetary policy.