Tokyo core CPI rises 3.3 in Feb, matches forecast
Inflation exceeds BOJ39;s target for 9th straight month
Slowdown reflects effect of govt steps to curb utility bills
Index excluding fuel rises 3.2, hits threedecade high

TOKYO, March 3 Reuters Core consumer inflation in Japan39;s capital Tokyo slowed in February as the effect of government energy subsidies kicked in, though an index stripping away the effect of fuel hit a fresh threedecade high in a sign of broadening inflationary pressure.

Separate data showed Japan39;s jobless rate hit a threeyear low of 2.4 in January, suggesting intensifying labour shortages will prod companies to raise wages and help ease the pain households are feeling from rising costs of living.

The readouts cast doubt on the Bank of Japan39;s view the recent costdriven inflation will prove temporary, and will likely keep the central bank under pressure to phase out its massive monetary stimulus, analysts say.

Inflation in the capital has fallen less than we expected last month, which suggests some upside risks to our forecast for inflation to fall below the Bank of Japan39;s 2 target by midyear, said Darren Tay, Japan economist at Capital Economics.

Core consumer prices in Tokyo, a leading indicator of nationwide trends, rose 3.3 in February from a year earlier, matching market forecasts and slowing from a nearly 42year high of 4.3 hit in January, government data showed on Friday.

The Tokyo core consumer price index CPI, which…