Japan's core inflation rises to 2.1% in September, topping BOJ target for first time in nine months

Japan's core consumer prices rose 2.1% year over year in September, above the Bank of Japan's 2% target for the first time in nine months, Reuters reported. The reading matched forecasts, while a measure excluding both fresh food and fuel rose 2.4%. Reuters says the bank raised rates to 1.25% in September; its sources expect an October hold, and many polled analysts anticipate a December hike.