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Japan Confirms Faster Q1 GDP Growth
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, matching flash data and accelerating from a 0.2% gain in Q4. The latest result was also above market estimates of 0.3%, marking the strongest quarterly increase since Q1 2025. Private consumption picked up (0.3% vs 0.1% in Q4, in line with an earlier estimate), reflecting easing cost pressures and steady wage growth. Public investment rose for the first time in three quarters (1.5% vs 1.4% in flash figures, after a 0.1% drop in Q4), boosted by solid infrastructure spending. Net trade added positively, with exports quickening (1.8% vs 1.7% in flash data, after a 0.2% rise in Q4) on strong overseas demand for autos, and imports rising 0.4% (compared with 0.5% in flash data, after a flat reading in Q4). Government spending growth was little changed (0.3% vs 0.4% in Q4), while business investment was revised downward (-0.7% vs preliminary reading of a 0.3% rise, after a 1.2% gain in Q4), due to higher interest rates and softer corporate sentiment.
Published on 2026-06-07

Japan Confirms Faster Q1 GDP Growth
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, matching flash data and accelerating from a 0.2% gain in Q4. The latest result was also above market estimates of 0.3%, marking the strongest quarterly increase since Q1 2025. Private consumption picked up (0.3% vs 0.1% in Q4, in line with an earlier estimate), reflecting easing cost pressures and steady wage growth. Public investment rose for the first time in three quarters (1.5% vs 1.4% in flash figures and after a 0.1% drop in Q4), boosted by solid infrastructure spending. Net trade added positively, with exports quickening (1.8% vs 1.7% in flash data, after a 0.2% rise in Q4) on strong overseas demand for autos, and imports rising 0.4% (compared with 0.5% in flash data, after a flat reading in Q4). Government spending growth was little changed (0.3% vs 0.4% in Q4), while business investment was revised downward (-0.7% vs preliminary reading of a 0.3% rise, after a 1.2% gain in Q4), due to higher interest rates and softer corporate sentiment.
Published on 2026-06-07

Japan Confirms Faster Q1 GDP Growth
Japan’s GDP expanded by 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, matching flash data and accelerating from a 0.2% increase in Q4. The latest result was also above market estimates of a 0.3% growth, marking the strongest quarterly expansion since Q1 2025.
Published on 2026-06-07

Japan Q1 GDP Growth Beats Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption and a positive contribution from net trade.
Published on 2026-05-18

Japan Q1 GDP Growth Beats Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption (0.3% vs flat reading in Q4), reflecting easing inflation pressures and steady wage growth. Public investment also rose for the first time in three quarters (1.4% vs -0.2%), helped by higher infrastructure spending. Net trade added positively, with exports accelerating sharply (1.7% vs 0.2%) on stronger overseas demand for autos and technology products, and imports rising at a softer 0.5% (vs flat reading), linked to still-cautious domestic demand. Simultaneously, government spending eased (0.1% vs 0.4%), and business investment grew more slowly (0.3% vs 1.4%) amid uncertainty over the global outlook and softer corporate sentiment. Looking ahead, growth may remain subdued for the rest of the year as the Middle East conflict clouds the outlook.
Published on 2026-05-18

Japan Q1 GDP Growth Beats Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption (0.3% vs flat reading in Q4), reflecting easing inflation pressures and steady wage growth. In the meantime, public investment rose for the first time in three quarters (1.4% vs -0.2%), helped by higher infrastructure and reconstruction-related spending. At the same time, net trade contributed positively, with exports accelerating sharply (1.7% vs. 0.2%) on stronger overseas demand for autos and technology products, while imports increased at a more modest pace (0.5% vs. flat reading), reflecting still-cautious domestic demand. Simultaneously, government spending eased (0.1% vs 0.4%), and business investment grew more slowly (0.3% vs 1.4%) amid uncertainty over the global outlook and softer corporate sentiment.
Published on 2026-05-18

Japan Q1 GDP Growth Beats Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption (0.3% vs flat reading in Q4), reflecting easing inflation pressures and steady wage growth. Public investment also rose for the first time in three quarters (1.4% vs -0.2%), helped by higher infrastructure spending. Net trade added positively, with exports accelerating sharply (1.7% vs 0.2%) on stronger overseas demand for autos and tech products, while imports rose at a softer 0.5% (vs flat reading). Simultaneously, government spending growth was muted (0.1% vs 0.4%), and business investment increased more slowly (0.3% vs 1.4%), linked to uncertainty over the global outlook and softer corporate sentiment. Looking ahead, growth may remain subdued for the rest of the year as the Middle East conflict clouds the future path.
Published on 2026-05-18

Japan Q1 GDP Growth Beats Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption (0.3% vs flat reading in Q4), reflecting easing inflation pressures and steady wage growth. Public investment also rose for the first time in three quarters (1.4% vs -0.2%), helped by higher infrastructure spending. Net trade added positively, with exports accelerating sharply (1.7% vs 0.2%) on stronger overseas demand for autos and tech products, while imports rose at a much slower 0.5% (vs flat reading). Simultaneously, government spending growth was muted (0.1% vs 0.4%), and business investment increased more slowly (0.3% vs 1.4%), linked to rising borrowing costs and softer corporate sentiment. Looking ahead, growth may remain subdued for the rest of the year as the Middle East conflict clouds the future path.
Published on 2026-05-18

Japan Q1 GDP Growth Beats Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption and a positive contribution from net trade.
Published on 2026-05-18

Japan Q1 GDP Growth Beats Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption (0.3% vs flat reading in Q4), reflecting easing inflation pressures and steady wage growth. Public investment also rose for the first time in three quarters (1.4% vs -0.2%), helped by higher infrastructure spending. Net trade added positively, with exports accelerating sharply (1.7% vs 0.2%) on stronger overseas demand for autos and tech products, while imports rose at a softer 0.5% (vs flat reading). Simultaneously, government spending growth was muted (0.1% vs 0.4%), and business investment increased more slowly (0.3% vs 1.4%), linked to uncertainty over the global outlook and softer corporate sentiment. Looking ahead, growth may remain subdued for the rest of the year as the Middle East conflict clouds the outlook.
Published on 2026-05-18

Japan Q1 GDP Growth Beats Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption (0.3% vs flat reading in Q4), reflecting easing inflation pressures and steady wage growth. Public investment also rose for the first time in three quarters (1.4% vs -0.2%), helped by higher infrastructure spending. Net trade added positively, with exports accelerating sharply (1.7% vs 0.2%) on stronger overseas demand for autos and tech products, while imports rose at a much slower 0.5% (vs flat reading). Simultaneously, government spending growth was muted (0.1% vs 0.4%), and business investment increased more slowly (0.3% vs 1.4%), linked to elevated borrowing costs and softer corporate sentiment. Looking ahead, growth may remain subdued for the rest of the year as the Middle East conflict clouds the future path.
Published on 2026-05-18

Japan Q1 GDP Growth Beats Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption (0.3% vs flat reading in Q4), reflecting easing inflation pressures and steady wage growth. Public investment also rose for the first time in three quarters (1.4% vs -0.2%), helped by higher infrastructure spending. Net trade added positively, with exports accelerating sharply (1.7% vs 0.2%) on stronger overseas demand for autos and tech products, while imports rose at a much slower 0.5% (vs flat reading). Simultaneously, government spending growth was muted (0.1% vs 0.4%), and business investment increased more slowly (0.3% vs 1.4%), linked to elevated interest rates and softer corporate sentiment. Looking ahead, growth may remain subdued for the rest of the year as the Middle East conflict clouds the future path.
Published on 2026-05-18

Japan Q1 GDP Growth Beats Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption (0.3% vs flat reading in Q4), reflecting easing inflation pressures and steady wage growth. Meanwhile, public investment rose for the first time in three quarters (1.4% vs -0.2%), helped by higher infrastructure and reconstruction-related spending. At the same time, net trade contributed positively, with exports accelerating sharply (1.7% vs 0.2%) on stronger overseas demand for autos and technology products, while imports increased at a more modest pace (0.5% vs flat reading), reflecting still-cautious domestic demand. Simultaneously, government spending eased (0.1% vs 0.4%), and business investment grew more slowly (0.3% vs 1.4%) amid uncertainty over the global outlook and softer corporate sentiment.
Published on 2026-05-18

Japan Q1 GDP Growth Beats Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.5% qoq in Q1 2026, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.2% increase in Q4 and topping market forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. It was the strongest quarterly expansion since Q3 2024, amid a pickup in private consumption (0.3% vs flat reading in Q4), reflecting easing inflation pressures and steady wage growth. Public investment also rose for the first time in three quarters (1.4% vs -0.2%), helped by higher infrastructure spending. Net trade added positively, with exports accelerating sharply (1.7% vs 0.2%) on stronger overseas demand for autos and tech products, while imports rose at a much slower 0.5% (vs flat reading). Simultaneously, government spending growth was muted (0.1% vs 0.4%), and business investment increased more slowly (0.3% vs 1.4%), linked to uncertainty over the global outlook and softer corporate sentiment. Looking ahead, growth may remain subdued for the rest of the year as the Middle East conflict clouds the future path.
Published on 2026-05-18

Japan Q4 GDP Growth Revised Upward
Japan’s GDP grew 0.3% qoq in Q4 2025, higher than the flash estimate of a 0.1% rise and in line with market expectations. The latest reading followed a 0.7% contraction in Q3 and was supported by stronger domestic demand. Private consumption was revised up to a 0.3% increase (vs an earlier estimate of 0.1% and after a 0.5% gain in Q3), suggesting household spending held up amid Tokyo's massive fiscal support to ease cost pressures. Business investment was also adjusted sharply higher to 1.2% (vs 0.2% in the preliminary estimate, after flat growth in Q3), indicating firmer corporate spending on capacity and equipment. Government spending rose 0.4% (vs 0.1% in flash data, after a 0.1% gain in Q3), reflecting continued fiscal support. Meanwhile, net trade made no contribution to growth as both exports (-0.3% vs -1.4%) and imports (-0.3% vs -0.1%) declined, partly amid softer external demand and weaker domestic import needs.
Published on 2026-03-10

Japan Q4 GDP Growth Revised Upward
Japan’s GDP grew 0.3% qoq in Q4 2025, higher than the flash estimate of 0.1% and in line with market expectations. The reading followed a 0.7% contraction in Q3, amid upward revisions to private consumption, business investment, and government spending. Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of the economy, was revised up to a 0.3% increase (vs 0.1% in an earlier estimate and after 0.5% growth in Q3), partly supported by Tokyo’s fiscal measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures. Business investment was also adjusted sharply higher to 1.2% (vs 0.2% previously, after flat growth in Q3), pointing to stronger corporate spending on capacity and equipment. Government spending rose 0.4% (vs 0.1% in the flash reading, after 0.1% in Q3), reflecting continued fiscal support. Meanwhile, net trade made no contribution to growth, as both exports (-0.3% vs -1.4%) and imports (-0.3% vs -0.1%) declined, partly due to softer external demand and weaker domestic import needs.
Published on 2026-03-10

Japan Q4 GDP Growth Revised Upward
Japan’s GDP grew 0.3% qoq in Q4 2025, higher than the flash estimate of 0.1% and in line with market expectations. The reading followed a 0.7% contraction in Q3, amid upward revisions to private consumption, business investment, and government spending. Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of Japan's economy, was revised up to a 0.3% increase (vs 0.1% in an earlier estimate and after 0.5% growth in Q3), partly supported by Tokyo’s fiscal measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures. Business investment was also adjusted sharply higher to 1.2% (vs 0.2% previously, after flat growth in Q3), pointing to stronger corporate spending on capacity and equipment. Government spending rose 0.4% (vs 0.1% in the flash reading, after 0.1% in Q3), reflecting continued fiscal support. Meanwhile, net trade made no contribution to growth, as both exports (-0.3% vs -1.4%) and imports (-0.3% vs -0.1%) declined, partly due to softer external demand and weaker domestic import needs.
Published on 2026-03-10

Japan Q4 GDP Growth Revised Upward
Japan’s GDP grew 0.3% qoq in Q4 2025, higher than the flash estimate of 0.1% and in line with market expectations. The reading followed a 0.7% contraction in Q3, amid upward revisions to private consumption, business investment, and government spending. Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of Japan's economy, was revised up to a 0.3% increase (vs 0.1% in an earlier estimate and after 0.5% growth in Q3), partly supported by Tokyo’s fiscal measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures. Business investment was also adjusted sharply higher to 1.2% (vs 0.2% previously, after flat growth in Q3), pointing to stronger corporate spending on capacity and equipment. Government spending rose 0.4% (vs 0.1% in the flash reading, after 0.1% in Q3), reflecting continued fiscal support. Meanwhile, net trade made no contribution to growth, as both exports (-0.3% vs -1.4%) and imports (-0.3% vs -0.1%) declined, partly due to softer external demand and weaker domestic import needs.
Published on 2026-03-10

Japan Q$ GDP Growth Below Estimates
Japan’s GDP expanded 0.1% qog in Q4 2025, rebounding from a 0.7% contraction in Q3. However, the growth was weaker than market expectations of a 0.4% increase, pointing to a modest and fragile recovery in economic activity.
Published on 2026-02-15

Japan Q4 GDP Growth Below Estimates
Japan’s GDP grew 0.1% qoq in Q4 2025, rebounding from a 0.7% drop in Q3 but missing forecasts of 0.4%, flash data showed. While business investment recovered, private consumption posted its weakest rise in a year and net trade made no contribution to growth.
Published on 2026-02-15