Japan May Tokyo Core CPI Y/Y +3.2% Vs. +3.5% in April; Processed Food Markups Lead Rise, Slower Pace Due to Energy Subsidies
–Total CPI Annual Rate Also Slows to 3.2% from 3.5% after Hitting 41-Year High of 4.4% in January –Narrow CPI (Ex-Fresh Food, Energy) Annual Rate Rises to 3.9% from 3.8%, Staying at 41-Year High By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Consumer prices in Tokyo, the leading indicator of the national average, decelerated in May to a […]
Japan Government Upgrades View on Economy from Pickup to Moderate Recovery, Condition Last Seen in February 2020
By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Japan’s government Thursday upgraded its overall assessment for the first time in 10 months, saying the economy is improving to the state last seen in February 2020, when pandemic hadn’t had a full impact on economic activity, according to its monthly report released by the Cabinet Office. In its May […]
Japan March Machine Orders Down for 2nd Straight Month, Q1 Up; Q2 Seen Rising Faster Amid Solid Capex Demand
–Machine Orders Seen +4.6% in Q2 Vs. +2.6% in Q1, Led by Strong Demand from Non-Manufacturers –Cabinet Office Keeps View: Machine Orders Pausing By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Japanese machinery orders, the key leading indicator of business investment in equipment, came in much weaker than expected in March, posting drops on the month and year, […]
Japan April Core CPI Up 3.4% Y/Y After Slowing to 3.1% Rise on Continued Markups in Process Food, Rebound in Hotel Fees
–Energy Subsidies, Softer Commodities Somewhat Easing Consumer Inflation –Total CPI +3.5% Y/Y V. +3.2% Y/Y in March, 41-Year High of +4.3% in January –Core-Core CPI (Ex-Fresh Food, Energy) Hits Fresh 41-Year High of +4.1% Y/Y, Largest Gain Since +4.2% in September 1981 By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Consumer inflation in Japan picked up to around […]
Japan April Exports Slower, Imports Drop; Trade Deficit Narrows Further from Record High in January
–Japan Posts 21st Straight Monthly Trade Deficit but Smallest Since February 2015–Exports to China Mark 5th Straight Y/Y Drop but at Slower Pace; Economy Recovering from Beijing’s Zero-Covid Policy Impact By Max Sato (MaceNews) – The year-over-year increase in Japanese export values slowed further in April amid softer global demand despite solid shipments of automobiles […]
Japan Q1 Solid GDP Rebound Led by Consumption, Capex, Public Works; Net Exports Drop Amid Slow Global Demand
–Q1 GDP Growth Stronger Than Forecast as Capex Shows Unexpected Rebound –Consumption Rise Higher Than Expected, Backed by Eased Covid Rules, Travel Subsidies –Q2 GDP Seen Supported by Pent-Up Consumer Demand for Services –Fiscal 2022 GDP +1.2%, Below Official Forecast of +1.7% By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Japan’s gross domestic product for the January-March quarter […]
Japan April Producer Inflation Eases Further to 5.8% from March’s 7.4% on Energy Subsidies, Weaker Lumber, Non-Ferrous Metals
–April’s 5.8% Lowest Y/Y Rise Since 5.7% in August 2021 –December’s 10.6% Surge Remains Highest in 42 Years By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Producer inflation in Japan eased for the fourth straight month in April as the government’s expanded utilities subsidies continued to cap energy costs and slowing global demand has cooled off many commodities […]
Preview: Japan Q1 GDP Seen Posting Slight Rebound on Modest Consumption, Sluggish Exports after No Growth in Q4
–Consumption Backed by Government Tourism Support Program –Business Investment Seen Posting 2nd Straight Quarterly Drop as Firms Become Cautious–Net Exports Forecast to Show Decline Amid Slowing Global Demand –Q2 GDP Growth Seen Led by Consumption but Exports Weak By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Japan’s gross domestic product for the January-March quarter is forecast by […]
Japan March Household Spending Slumps on Continued Shift to Lower Mobile Phone Plans; Traveling, Eating Out Remain Solid
–Spending on Hotels, Packaged Tours Continues Rising on Tourism Support Program –Real Household Income Posts 6th Straight Y/Y Drop on High Food Costs but Energy Subsidies Capping Utility Charges By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Japan’s real household spending came in much weaker than expected in March, posting drops both on the year and month, as […]
BOJ Under Governor Ueda Keeps Easing Stance to Pursue Stable 2% Inflation but Also Decides to Review Prolonged Easing
–No Longer Expects Short-, Long-Term Rates to Go Lower Than Now –Ueda Has Told Diet, Reporters: ‘Appropriate’ to Continue Current Policy Framework; Underlying Inflation Has Not Reached 2% By Max Sato (MaceNews) – The Bank of Japan said Friday its policy board decided unanimously to maintain its monetary easing stance, keeping its zero to slightly […]