Singapore’s core inflation ticked slightly higher in April, but experts warn that the overall trend still leans toward weaker price pressures. Basically, while things got a tiny bit more expensive last month, the bigger picture suggests prices might not rise as sharply in the near future—good news for wallets, but a sign the economy isn’t exactly roaring ahead.

Editor’s Note: Inflation is like a thermometer for the economy—too high, and people struggle with costs; too low, and growth might stall. This update shows Singapore’s in a tricky middle zone, where prices aren’t spiraling (which is a relief), but the "downside risks" hint at softer demand or economic bumps ahead. For everyday folks, it means prices aren’t suddenly jumping, but it’s worth keeping an eye on job markets or big-ticket spending.

Japan's core inflation just hit its highest level in over two years, putting fresh pressure on the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to finally raise interest rates before the year ends. Prices are climbing faster than expected, fueled by rising energy and food costs—and it’s starting to look like the BOJ’s long-standing ultra-loose monetary policy might not hold much longer.

Editor’s Note: Inflation isn’t just a Western problem anymore—Japan, which has battled deflation for decades, is now feeling the squeeze too. If the BOJ hikes rates, it could ripple through global markets, where investors have gotten used to Japan’s rock-bottom borrowing costs. For everyday Japanese households, higher prices with stagnant wages mean tighter budgets, and a rate hike could make loans and mortgages more expensive. This could be a turning point for Japan’s economy, for better or worse.