Dec Tokyo core CPI rises 2.1 yryr, matches forecast
Tokyo core CPI slows from November39;s 2.3 rise
Socalled 39;core core39; CPI also slows in December
Data to be scrutinised at BOJ39;s Jan. 2223 meeting

TOKYO, Jan 9 Reuters Core inflation in Japan39;s capital slowed for the second straight month in December as costpush price pressures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, taking some pressure off the central bank to rush into exiting ultraloose monetary policy.

The Tokyo inflation data, closely watched as a leading indicator of nationwide price trends, is among key factors the Bank of Japan BOJ will scrutinise at the next policysetting meeting on Jan. 2223.

Separate data showed household spending fell for the ninth straight month in November, underscoring the fragile nature of Japan39;s economy that may also keep the BOJ cautious about phasing out its massive stimulus too soon.

Tokyo39;s core consumer price index CPI, which excludes volatile fresh food but includes fuel costs, rose 2.1 in December from a year earlier, government data showed, matching a median market forecast. It followed a 2.3 rise in November and matched a low hit in June 2022.

The socalled core core index that strips away both fresh food and fuel prices closely watched by the BOJ as a gauge of broader price trends rose 3.5 in December after a 3.6 gain in November, the data showed.

Companies are probably keen to keep raising prices but the pace of hikes appears to be slowing, said…