JAPAN

摘要

Real GDP in the second quarter expanded by 0.6% (q-o-q) after four previous quarterly contractions, signalling an end to the recession. Economic activity was lifted mainly by exports which rose by 6.4% (q-o-q) and public investment which increased by 7.5%. Private consumption reversed part of the Q1 slump to increase by 0.7% but investment posted a further contraction of 4.8%. Meanwhile, y-o-y, GDP still shrank by 7.2% but improved slightly from Q1's 8.4% fall. Looking ahead, July industrial production shows that upward momentum has been sustained into Q3.