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The new package, worth 21.9 trillion yen ($141.8 billion), includes handouts of around 30,000 yen for low-income households, fuel and energy subsidies, and assistance to small businesses

Japan's government approves $140 billion stimulus plan

Japan's minority government has today signed off on a $140-billion stimulus drive aimed at putting more money in consumers' pockets after the ruling party's worst election result in 15 years.

Business • 22 Nov 24

No changes from Bank of Japan on interest rates

The Bank of Japan has today maintained its long-standing, ultra-loose monetary policy and offered no guidance on its plans in the new year, sending the yen down against the dollar and boosting stocks.

Business • 19 Dec 23

Japan is the world's third biggest economy

Japan's economy rebounds on solid spending

Japan's economy rebounded in the final three months of 2021 as falling coronavirus cases helped prop up consumption, though rising raw material costs and a spike in new Omicron variant infections cloud the outlook.

Business • 15 Feb 22

The rise was the biggest since comparable data became available in January 2001

Japan's household spending growth hits record

Japan's household spending jumped the most in at least two decade in April as consumers splurged on cars, clothing and beauty services, though the gains were inflated in part by the sharp comparison to last year's pandemic-driven plunge.

Business • 04 Jun 21

The Bank of Japan has warned its outlook was highly uncertain as the Covid-19 pandemic weighs on service-sector spending

Bank of Japan cuts economic growth forecast

The Bank of Japan has today trimmed its economic and price forecasts for the current fiscal year but offered a more upbeat view on the recovery outlook, signalling that it has delivered enough stimulus for the time being.

Business • 29 Oct 20

Japan, the world's third-largest economy, shrank an annualised 27.8% in the three months from April to June

Japan's record economic plunge wipes out Abe era gains

Japan was hit by its biggest economic slump on record in the second quarter as the coronavirus pandemic emptied shopping centres and hit demand for cars and other exports.

Business • 17 Aug 20

The Bank of Japan's March Tankan business survey showed a reading of -8 - the lowest level in seven years

Japan business sentiment turns negative

Confidence among Japan's biggest manufacturers has plunged into negative territory for the first time in seven years, a key survey showed today as the coronavirus pandemic hits demand and disrupts production.

Business • 01 Apr 20

The tough decision to postpone this year's Olympic Games over Covid-19 is likely to pile on the pain for Japan's economy

What could an Olympics postponement cost Japan?

The historic decision to postpone this year's Olympic Games over the coronavirus pandemic is likely to pile on the pain for Japan's economy, already expected to be roiled by the global virus outbreak, economists say.

Business • 24 Mar 20

Japan's economy expanded 0.1% in the three months from July and September, a slowdown from the 0.4% in the previous three month period

Japan's economy grows less than expected in Q3

Japanese growth slowed significantly in the third quarter of the year, according to government data released today, sparking concerns for the health of the world's third-biggest economy.

Business • 14 Nov 19

Japan's stock market has rallied more than 20% this year to reach 26-year highs

Japan's strong run of growth set to continue into 2018

Japan's best run of growth in a decade looks set to stretch into 2018, with data showing most factories and consumers stepping up a gear, giving policymakers more reasons to discuss an end to crisis-era stimulus.

Business • 28 Dec 17

The Markit/Nikkei Japan Manufacturing flash PMI rose to 53.8 in November from a reading of 52.8 in October

Japan manufacturing activity shows strong growth

Japanese manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in more than three years in November as output, new orders, and new export orders all accelerated in a sign the economy will continue its growth streak.

Business • 24 Nov 17

The Reuters Tankan service-sector sentiment index slipped from the previous month's two-year high but remained relatively high

Japan manufacturers' mood hits decade-high - survey

Confidence among Japanese manufacturers rebounded in October to match a peak last seen in mid-2007, a Reuters poll has found.

Business • 17 Oct 17

Bank of Japan says economy likely to continue its moderate expansion

Bank of Japan pushes on with stimulus as Fed eyes hike

Japan's central bank pressed ahead with its ultra-loose monetary policy today on the back of an improving economy, as its overseas counterparts start to turn off the stimulus taps.

Business • 21 Sep 17

Japan's economy sees the longest period of expansion in more than a decade

Japan economy grew 0.6% in second quarter

Japan's economy grew 0.6% in the second quarter, marking the longest period of expansion in more than a decade for the world's third-largest economy.

Business • 08 Sep 17

The Bank of Japan revised up its assessment for five of nine regions and kept its upbeat view for the remaining four areas

Bank of Japan gives upbeat view on regional Japan

The Bank of Japan offered its most optimistic view of the country's regional economies in more than a decade on solid exports and private consumption.

Business • 10 Jul 17

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe should get a much needed boost from the stronger than expected Tankan survey

Japan business confidence hits three-year high - Tankan

Confidence among Japan's biggest manufacturers has risen for the third quarter in a row to the best level in more than three years, a key central bank survey showed today as exports continue to grow.

Business • 03 Jul 17

Japan's economy expanded an annualised 2.2%in the three months from January to March.

Japan's economy expands at fastest pace in a year

Japan's economy grew in the first quarter at its fastest pace in a year to mark the longest period of expansion in a decade, thanks to robust exports and a helpful boost from private consumption.

Business • 18 May 17

No changes from Bank of Japan on interest rates

Bank of Japan keeps US economy, Brexit risks in focus

Japan's central bank gave an upbeat assessment of the world's third biggest economy today.

Business • 16 Mar 17

The Japanese economy grew 1% during 2016, new figures show

Japan's economy grows by a revised 0.3% in Q4

Japan's economy expanded by a revised 0.3% in the last quarter of 2016, government data showed today, as company investment and a weaker yen propped up growth.

Business • 08 Mar 17

Japan, the world's third-largest economy, is now expected to expand 1.4% in the year to March

Bank of Japan lifts growth forecasts

The Bank of Japan today upgraded its economic growth forecasts for the current fiscal year and the next two, while leaving its ultra-loose monetary policy intact.

Business • 31 Jan 17