Mumbai, Dec. 19 -- Japan's annual inflation rate eased marginally to 2.9% in November from 3.0% in October, helped by softer food prices and slower increases in key consumer categories. Food inflation fell to a one-year low as rice prices posted their slowest rise in 15 months, while price growth also moderated for clothing, transport, recreation, and communications. However, utility costs climbed further, with electricity inflation accelerating. Core inflation remained steady at 3.0%, staying above the Bank of Japan's 2% target for the 44th consecutive month, underscoring persistent underlying price pressures.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Capital Market....