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 […]

Powell: Fed Committed To 2% Goal but May Need To Do Less Given Bank Stress

– Williams Blames Demand, Shocks for Inflation – Not Past Monetary Ease – Fed Policymakers Divided on Where Funds Rate Needs To Go By Steven K. Beckner (MaceNews) – Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell renewed the Fed’s commitment to reducing inflation Friday, but gave no clear indication whether he thinks the central bank will need […]

Japan February Household Spending Posts Modest Y/Y Rebound on Eating Out, Travel After Public Health Rules Eased

–Govt Official: Household Spending Recovering Despite M/M Drop; Still Below Pre-Pandemic Level –Spending on Hotels, Package Tours Continues Rising on Tourism Support Program –February’s Y/Y Rise Led Also by Higher Electric Heating Use during Freezing Weather in Late January–Real Household Income Posts 5th Straight Y/Y Drop on High Costs for Food and Despite Energy Subsidies     […]

Japan Government Keeps View on Gradual Economic Pickup Amid Brighter Consumer Sentiment, Sluggish Factory Output   

By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Japan’s government Wednesday maintained its economic assessment that the current gradual pickup remains intact on expectations that further reopening of the economy should support consumer spending while industrial production slowed on weaker global demand, according to its monthly report released by the Cabinet Office. In its March report, the government […]