Japan's core inflation hits 19-month high, keeps BOJ rate-hike bets alive

TOKYO (Reuters) -- Japan's core consumer price index rose 3.2% in January from the previous year to hit a 19-month high, data showed on Friday, reinforcing expectations the central bank will continue to raise interest rates from still-low levels.

The increase in the core consumer price index (CPI), which excludes fresh food prices, compared with a median market forecast for a 3.1% gain and followed a 3.0% rise in December.