Reported about 22 hours ago
A recent government survey revealed a decline in Japan's consumer sentiment in December, raising concerns about the timing of potential interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan. The consumer sentiment index dropped to 36.2, and the output gap remains negative for the 18th consecutive quarter, indicating soft demand. While some major companies, like Fast Retailing, plan to increase wages, the overall economic outlook is clouded by rising living costs and uncertainty in global policies. This situation complicates the central bank's plans to raise rates from the current 0.25% as it prepares for its upcoming policy meeting.
Source: YAHOO