Japan's core inflation cooled to 3.3% in June, coming down from a 29-month high of 3.7% as rice inflation showed signs of easing. The figure — which strips out costs for fresh food — was in line with the 3.3% expected by economists polled by Reuters. Headline inflation in the country dropped to 3.3%, coming down from 3.5% in May.

Japan’s key measure of consumer prices cooled slightly more than expected in June, but remained well above the Bank of Japan’s target. This persistent inflation continues to exert pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government,