JAPAN'S CORE INFLATION PICKS UP, BUT DEMAND-DRIVEN GROWTH BELOW 2%

Japan's core inflation accelerated for a third straight month in July, data showed on Friday, but a slowdown in demand-driven price growth could complicate the central bank's decision on further interest hikes in the coming months.

The nationwide core consumer price index (CPI), which excludes fresh food items, rose 2.7% from a year earlier, faster than a 2.6% climb in June. It matched the median market forecast and put the inflation rate at or above the central bank's 2% target for the 28th straight month.

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