Japan's core inflation slowed to its weakest in about two years in June, data showed Friday, underlining the nation's long battle to boost consumer prices and adding to speculation the Bank of Japan could deliver more stimulus later this month.
With the global economy slowing and factory production faltering in the face of a bruising Sino-U.S. trade war, BOJ officials have said they remain ready to expand stimulus, joining the U.S. Federal Reserve in signaling that easing may come soon.
BOJ Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda said Thursday the central bank would scrutinize economic developments until the last minute in deciding its policy this month, suggesting that whether to stand pat or increase stimulus will be a close call.
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