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Tokyo inflation likely eased in Feb on govt steps amid inflation pressure: Reuters Poll

Consumer inflation in Tokyo likely slowed down in February as the government reinstated steps to ease the burden from energy bills as higher living costs haunt persistent inflation presser, a Reuters poll showed on Friday. The core consumer price index (CPI) in Tokyo, a leading indicator of nationwide price trends, was seen rising 2.3% year-on-year this month, slowing down from a 2.5% gain in January, the median forecast of 16 economists found. "While food prices continue to rise, the pace of increase in core CPI is expected to slow due to lower electricity and gas prices led by the resumption of government support," said Shunpei Fujita, economist at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting.

RBA’s Bullock Alert to Job Market Signaling Stronger Economy

(Bloomberg) -- Australia’s central bank is closely monitoring the state of the labor market as persistent tightness may signal a stronger economy, Governor Michele Bullock said, adding that policymakers aren’t “pre-committed” to any path for interest rates.Most Read from BloombergTrump to Halt NY Congestion Pricing by Terminating ApprovalTrump Targets $128 Billion California High-Speed Rail ProjectAirbnb Billionaire Offers Pre-Fab Homes for LA Fire VictimsSorry, Kids: Disney’s New York Headquart

Oil prices dip but remain on track for weekly gain on supply jitters

Oil prices fell on Friday but were still poised for a weekly gain on supply disruption in Russia while uncertainty looms over a potential peace deal in Ukraine. Brent futures slipped by 62 cents, or 0.81%, to $75.86 a barrel by 1304 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude lost 63 cents, or 0.87%, to $71.85. The market has taken a relatively neutral yet nervous stance on crude oil prices, said Ole Hansen at Saxo Bank, with Brent trading near the middle of the expected range for the year, between $65 and $85 a barrel.

RBNZ Welcomes Weaker Kiwi Dollar as Catalyst to Revive Economy

(Bloomberg) -- New Zealand’s central bank is welcoming a weaker exchange rate, saying it will help to revive economic growth this year.Most Read from BloombergTrump to Halt NY Congestion Pricing by Terminating ApprovalTrump Targets $128 Billion California High-Speed Rail ProjectAirbnb Billionaire Offers Pre-Fab Homes for LA Fire VictimsSorry, Kids: Disney’s New York Headquarters Is for Grown-UpsChild Migrant Watchdog Gutted in DOGE Cuts“The lower kiwi dollar is part of the reason we’re predictin