Japan's Inflation Drops Below 2%: What It Means for the Next Rate Hike

In April, the Bank of Japan's four key measurements of underlying inflation fell below 2% for the first time since August 2022. This includes the weighted median inflation rate, which rose by 1.1% from a year earlier. These figures increase uncertainty regarding the timing of the next interest rate hike.

The Bank of Japan's four key measurements of underlying inflation all fell below 2% in April for the first time since August 2022, data showed on Tuesday, heightening uncertainty on the timing of its next interest rate hike.

The weighted median inflation rate, among the four indicators closely watched as a gauge on whether price rises are broadening, rose 1.1% in April from a year earlier, the data showed.