Based on a recovering overall economic climate, the consumer price index, excluding fresh food prices, was at or above zero percent for the third consecutive month since October.
It was determined at today's meeting that we cannot say that core consumer prices have stabilized above zero. The bank has not decided when to shift its policy.
The year-on-year rate of change in consumer prices is projected to be zero percent or to show a slight increase towards the end of this year,
We will confirm that consumer prices will stabilize at zero or above before taking action.
It's necessary to make the judgment calmly and objectively without any preconceived notions about whether the consumer price index excluding fresh food prices has stabilized at zero or above.
There is a high chance that core consumer prices will turn to be positive toward the end of the year.