Japan CPI Climbs to 1.5% YoY March

Japan's national CPI rose to 1.5% YoY in March, up from 1.3% in February, its highest in nearly four years.
Core CPI increased to 1.8% YoY, beating the 1.7% forecast but staying below the BOJ's 2% target for a second month.
Inflation boost stemmed from higher fuel and transportation costs linked to Middle East oil‑gas price spikes amid the conflict.
BOJ meeting imminent; markets expect rates unchanged now, but the bank may signal future hikes as energy‑price shock persists.