Core consumer prices in Japan's capital rose 2.8% in November from a year earlier, data showed on Friday, exceeding the central bank's 2% target and keeping alive market expectations for a near-term interest rate hike. The increase in the Tokyo core consumer price index (CPI), which excludes volatile fresh food costs, compared with a median market forecast for a 2.7% rise. It followed a 2.8% gain in October. A separate index for Tokyo that strips away both fresh food and fuel costs - closely watched by the Bank of Japan as a measure of demand-driven prices - rose 2.8% in November from a year earlier after a 2.8% ... (full story)