0135 GMT - Hotter-than-expected consumer-price inflation in Tokyo and signs of broadening pressures support ING's long-held view that the Bank of Japan will raise rates at its two-day meeting ending May 1, says ING's Min Joo Kang. Data released earlier today showed Tokyo CPI inflation unexpectedly accelerated to 2.9% on-year in March, higher than market consensus of 2.7%, the senior economist for South Korea and Japan says in a research report. "We find that price pressures are becoming more broadly based," the economist says. "With upside inflation risks growing, the odds of a BOJ's rate reaction increase," the economist adds. (ronnie.harui@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 27, 2025 21:35 ET (01:35 GMT)

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