Preview: Japan Q4 GDP to Be Revised Up to Growth from 2nd Straight Contraction After MOF Data Shows Robust Capex but Consumption Remains Sluggish  

–Q4 Growth to Be Led by Sharp Upward Revision to Business Investment from Slight Drop–Net Exports Rebound Seen Intact, Public Works May See Sharper Decline–Q1 GDP Growth Expected to Be Weaker as Inflation Keeps Real Wages Down, Labor Shortages Linger By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Japan’s economy likely averted a second straight quarterly drop in […]

IMF: BOJ Should Consider Unwinding Monetary Easing Under Yield Curve Control Framework Now

IMF urges BOJ to consider ending yield curve control

–IMF: BOJ Then Should Gradually Raise Interest Rates–IMF Critical of Kishida Government’s ‘Untargeted’ Economic Stimulus Package By Max Sato (MaceNews) – The Bank of Japan should consider unwinding its large-scale monetary easing now by exiting the seven-year-old yield curve control framework, the International Monetary Fund said Friday, noting that easing in the past decade has […]

Japan December Household Spending Posts 10th Straight Y/Y Drop as Inflation Bites, Milder Weather Dampens Demand for Winter Clothing, Heaters

–Households Seeking Savings by Switching to Low-Cost Mobile Phone Plans–Eating Out Continues Growing, Vehicle Purchases, Car Services Rebound–Real Household Income Posts 15th Straight Y/Y Drop on Elevated Costs By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Japan’s real household spending posted its 10th straight drop on the year in December, down a deeper-than-expected 2.5%, following a 2.9% dip […]

Italy-Brussels Tensions Rise Over Delayed Tourism Deregulation, EU COVID Funds’ Revised Targets

By Silvia Marchetti ROME (MaceNews) – Tensions between Rome’s rightist government and Brussels are rising over the investments of revised European post-COVID funds and a delay in deregulating key tourist services, warned opposition forces. Democrat officials are concerned that were Italy to fail in “being credible and efficient” in investing the updated post-pandemic aid, and […]

Japan Govt Keeps View on Moderate Economic Recovery Backed by Consumer Spending, Business Investment Amid Higher Wage Growth

By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Japan’s government Wednesday maintained its overall assessment, saying the economy is recovering moderately as substantial wage hikes and Covid-era excess savings are supporting consumer spending while improving supply chains are shoring up business confidence and investment, according to its monthly report released by the Cabinet Office. Japanese policymakers expect robust […]

Japan April Household Spending Slumps on Continued Shift to Lower Mobile Phone Plans; Traveling, Eating Out Remain Strong

–Spending Drop Also Due to Continued Cut in High School Supplementary Education; Housing Also Down   –Spending on Packaged Tours, Train/Air Fares Continues Rising on Tourism Support Program –Real Household Income Posts 7th Straight Y/Y Drop on High Food Costs but Energy Subsidies Capping Utility Charges     By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Japan’s real household spending […]