Global Economic Signals Mixed as Inflation Eases in Japan but El Nino Stokes Food Prices in Brazil
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Inflation slowed in Japan for a second month, giving the Bank of Japan reason to wait before ending negative rates.
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Services price inflation in Japan remained elevated, suggesting eventual policy normalization.
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Inflation expectations declined in Europe; retail sales and consumer sentiment rose in the US.
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China's population declined faster in 2023 due to record-low births, posing economic challenges.
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El Nino returned with severity in Brazil, causing food prices to soar and challenging rate cut plans.