Tokyo inflation data leads the release of national-level CPI for the month by three weeks

Tokyo CPI -0.5% y/y

  • expected -0.3%, prior was -1.3%

Tokyo CPI excluding Fresh Food -0.4% y/y

  • expected -0.6%, prior was -0.9%

Tokyo CPI excluding Food, Energy +0.2% y/y

  • expected 0.0%, prior was -0.4%

That final one, ex food and energy is a core measure, and its not quite as weak as the above two. Still, a way, way below target result for the BOJ. Again.

Data out at the same time on the labour market ...

Japan Jobless (Unemployment) rate for December 2.9%

  • expected 3.0%, prior 2.9%

Job to applicant ratio for December 1.06

  • expected 1.05, prior 1.06

99 problems but unemployment ain't one.