Japan Real Time Charts and Data

Edward Hugh is only able to update this blog from time to time, but he does run a lively Twitter account with plenty of Japan related comment. He also maintains a collection of constantly updated Japan data charts with short updates on a Storify dedicated page Is Japan Once More Back in Deflation?

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Japan Leading Index January 2008

Japan's leading index fell to 30 percent in January, below the threshold of 50 that signals growth will slow in the next three to six months, according to the Cabinet Office yesterday. The December number was revised to 50 from 45.5.

With consumer confidence at a four-year low it seems unlikely that household spending will continue to sustain the Japanese economy in the face of slowing export demand as the U.S. heads for its first recession since 2001, and the global economy in general stats to slow. Business investment fell at the fastest pace in five years last quarter, according to the Finance Ministry last week, indicating that the government will have to reduce its gross domestic product estimate when it produces the definitive Q4 figures next week.