Japan braces for rate hike as inflation accelerates

Inflation in Japan accelerated sharply in September, official data showed on Friday, rising above the Bank of Japan's (BoJ) target level and paving the way for a further interest rate hike. The acceleration was driven in particular by rising prices for processed foods against a backdrop of soaring energy costs owing to the conflict in the Middle East. Excluding volatile fresh produce, inflation was 2.1 percent, up from 1.7 percent in August, according to the internal affairs ministry reading. The figure was in line with market expectations and above the 2.0 percent target set by the central bank, further raising chances of an interest rate hike. "With underlying inflation back above the Bank of Japan's 2 percent target, the case for further tightening remains on solid ground," said Abhijit Surya of Capital Economics. "News reports suggest that the Bank may revise up its inflation forecasts at its October meeting. That should set the stage for another hike in December." The BoJ already raised interest rates in mid-September, in line with other major central banks around the world, in an effort to counter strong inflationary pressures driven by soaring energy prices triggered by the Iran war. A weak yen is also driving up the price of imported goods. Rents...