Japan's core inflation eased to a four-year low in April, driven by government subsidies. However, rising energy costs due to the Iran conflict are expected to push inflation higher, prompting speculation of further monetary tightening by the Bank of Japan.

Core inflation — which strips out prices of fresh food — was lower than the 1.7% expected by economists polled by Reuters and below the 1.8% reading in March.

TOKYO, May 22 : Japan's annual core inflation slowed to a four-year low in April due to the effect of subsidies on fuel and education, data showed on Friday, though analysts…