Coming up Friday is the March inflation data from Japan

Due at 2330GMT on Thursday 19 April 2018 (Friday morning Japan time)

Previews via ....

Barclays:

  • We estimate that nationwide core inflation (y/y) eased slightly in February.
  • We look for core CPI inflation to hold around 0.8-1.0% y/y through midyear, and then strengthen to 1.1% y/y in September, marking the peak for 2018.

Nomura:

  • We expect the March all-Japan core CPI (all items ex fresh food) to rise 0.9% y-o- y, 0.1pp weaker than the February reading of +1.0%. The February reading was 0.1pp stronger than the January reading, and was largely attributable to volatile prices for accommodation and overseas package tours.
  • February's Tokyo core CPI rose 0.9% y-o- y, 0.2pp stronger than in January, as it was also boosted by these items, but the March Tokyo core CPI rose 0.8%, weaker than in February, as the effects of these items diminish.
  • We think the March all-Japan core CPI will likewise register weaker growth than in February as the boost from accommodation and overseas package tour prices will be moderate.

Not happy with inflation ...