A deluge of Japanese economic data on Friday is set to influence expectations on whether the Bank of Japan (BOJ) will top up its stimulus program.
Data are expected to show the world's third-largest economy remained in a soft patch in July following the April consumption tax hike to 8 percent from 5 percent.
The nationwide core consumer price index will be the key focus. The index, which excludes volatile prices of fresh food, is forecast to rise 3.3 percent on year in July - or 1.3 percent excluding the impact of the tax increase – far below BOJ's 2 percent inflation target.
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