Japan’s headline inflation rate dropped to 2.3% in October, the lowest level since January, while the core inflation rate, excluding fresh food prices, also fell to 2.3% from September’s 2.4%. Despite being slightly higher than expected, the weak inflation figures suggest that the Bank of Japan may need to maintain an easy monetary policy stance. Economists predict a potential 25 basis point rate hike at the December meeting, with Governor Kazuo Ueda stating that sustained wage-driven inflation is on the horizon and cautioning against keeping borrowing costs too low.
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Bessent warns China on Russian oil purchases that could bring 100% tariffs
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned Chinese officials that continued purchases of sanctioned Russian oil could lead to significant tariffs due to new Congressional legislation, but China insisted on protecting its energy sovereignty. He also expressed U.S. concerns about China's Iranian oil purchases and dual-use technology sales to Russia, noting these actions could hurt China's trade relations with Europe. Want More Context? 🔎
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