Erica Yokoyama

Japan’s imports fell for the first time in more than two years as commodity prices softened, cushioning the impact from a global economic slowdown that is weighing on exports.

The trend cushions the hit of a global economic slowdown weighing on exports, reflecting a fall in prices for commodities including crude oil and liquid natural gas.

Japan’s inflation re-accelerated in April after months of cooling, likely reinforcing views that the central bank may have to revise its price outlook, bringing the Bank of Japan a step closer to policy normalization.

(Bloomberg) -- Inflation in Tokyo slowed, supporting the Bank of Japan’s view that prices will likely slow toward the autumn, although the high levels will likely continue to drag on household spending.Consumer prices excluding fresh food climbed 3.2% in the capital in May, slowing from the previous month, according to the ministry of internal affairs Friday. The reading was weaker than economists’ forecast of a 3.4% gain. Still, there were also signs that the deeper inflation trend may be conti

The Bank of Japan will gradually build a case for a major overhaul of its stimulus framework in the second-half of next year, using the results of a review to support its move, according to Bloomberg Economics.

Japan’s unemployment rate fell for the first time in three months, potentially feeding into higher wages and providing a boost to the Bank of Japan’s sustainable inflation goal down the line.

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From Ueda’s experience as a board member who voted against a premature rate increase in the early 2000s, the governor is said to be wary of abandoning stimulus too quickly.

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Japan’s businesses increased spending for the fourth straight quarter in another sign of the country’s recovery from the pandemic.