Tokyo Inflation Slows While Production Falters, Creating Uncertainty for BOJ Rate Hikes

• Tokyo core CPI rose 2.4% in March, matching forecasts but slowing from 2.9% in February

• Index excluding food and fuel costs rose 2.9% in March, down from 3.1% in February

• Factory output unexpectedly fell 0.1% in February, clouding economic outlook

• Weak consumption and production create uncertainty around Bank of Japan's next rate hike

• Toyota production issues weighed on broader manufacturing sector due to large presence