June core CPI rises 3.3 yryr, in line with forecast
Growth in corecore CPI moderates, suggesting slowdown ahead
Data may take pressure off BOJ for early tweak to easy policy

TOKYO, July 21 Reuters Japan39;s core inflation stayed above the central bank39;s 2 target in June for the 15th straight month but an index stripping away the effect of energy costs slowed, data showed, suggesting the prolonged commoditydriven price pressures may have peaked.

Yet, with services price growth also slowing last month, policymakers will feel that wage pressures have yet to build up enough to warrant an imminent tweak to the ultraloose monetary stance.

While the data heightens the chance the Bank of Japan BOJ will upgrade this year39;s inflation forecast next week, it may take pressure off the central bank to soon begin phasing out its massive monetary stimulus, analysts say.

Costpush inflation is finally beginning to peak out. We39;ll likely see inflation slow in coming months, which would allow the BOJ to keep policy steady for the time being, said Toru Suehiro, chief economist at Daiwa Securities.

While services prices may rise next year, those for goods will stay weak. Inflation could hover around 1 next year.

The nationwide core consumer price index CPI, which excludes fresh food costs, rose 3.3 in June from a year earlier, matching a median market forecast and accelerating from a 3.2 gain in May, data showed on Friday.

A hike in utility bills added to a steady increase in…