Japan inflation nears 41-year high on weak yen and soaring energy costs

Japan’s core inflation rose at its fastest pace in nearly 41 years in November, in data that may embolden investors looking to challenge central bank claims that it does not plan to increase interest rates.

Although still mild compared with the US and Europe, inflation in Asia’s most advanced economy gained pace on the back of a historic fall in the yen against the dollar and price rises in food and electricity bills.