Dec core CPI rises 2.3 yryr, matches forecast
Index excluding fresh food, fuel rises 3.7 yryr in Dec
Steady rise in services prices signal broadening price pressure
Markets expect BOJ to stand pat next week, some eye April exit

TOKYO, Jan 19 Reuters Japan39;s core inflation stayed above the central bank39;s 2 target in December but slowed for a second straight month, data showed on Friday, reinforcing expectations it will be in no hurry to phase out its massive monetary stimulus.

The data, which matched median market forecasts, highlights receding inflationary pressure from raw material imports and heightens the chance the Bank of Japan will maintain ultralow interest rates at next week39;s meeting.

But steady rises in services prices and growing prospects of solid wage hikes will likely keep alive market expectations the central bank will pull shortterm interest rates out of negative territory around April, some analysts say.

Japan39;s economy isn39;t in very good shape with weak signs seen in consumption and capital expenditure. But that doesn39;t seem to be affecting companies39; wagehike momentum, said former top BOJ economist Seisaku Kameda.

We39;ll likely see fairly strong pay rises in this year39;s annual wage negotiations, Kameda said, adding that he expects the BOJ to end negative rates in March or April.

The core consumer price index CPI, which excludes fresh food but includes energy costs, in December rose 2.3 from a year earlier, marking the…