Japan Nikkei 225

Japan Nikkei 225 Back to List of Indices

Nikkei Index from 1990	Nikkei Point & Figure	Nikkei Futures		Japanese Yen	Notes & Links
Nikkei Monthly	Nikkei Weekly

Japan Nikkei 225 Index (weekly), 20 week exponential average in green, 5 week exponential average in red, MACD (moving average convergence divergence) in green.

Japan Nikkei 225 Index monthly chart, the red line is a 24 month exaverage, the yellow line is a 6 month exaverage This chart is no longer updated but will remain for reference.

Japan Notes & Links:

6/8/20/2023 Japan’s overall economy, expanded 5.3% in the past decade, far less than the U.S.’s 23% growth and mainland China’s 83%. 28/2022 The Bank of Japan is under growing pressure to stabilize the yen as it sinks to a 24-year low and ought to abandon its 0.25% cap on benchmark bond yields. Investors are on a real estate bargain hunt in Japan, fueled by the historic weakness of the yen. Industrial production in Japan declined by 7.2 percent month-over-month in May. 6/23/2022 Inflationary pressures are rising in Japan after a long hiatus. Japan's consumer prices rose by 2.5% YoY in April 2022, the most since October 2014. Core consumer prices rose 2.1% YoY, and beating the BoJ’s 2% target for the first time in seven years. 6/20/2022 The Japanese yen depreciated to its lowest level against the dollar in over two decades. BoJ's Total assets have swelled to 137% of GDP - and leading the global race to print money 6/17/2021 Japan Inflation 3/2/2021 YoY Japans Monetary Base came in at 19.6% below forecasts. The unemployment rate in Japan is 2.9% 1/22/2021 Japan Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.7 In December. 12/9/2020 QoQ Japans GDP was up 5.0 % Japan had a current account surplus of 2,144.7 billion yen in October, the Ministry of Finance said on Tuesday - up 15.7 % YoY. 12/6/2020 Japan's Leading Economic Index at 93.8 in October from previous 92.5 - highest in 16 month. 10/16/2020 Japan plans to release Fukushima water into the Pacific Ocean 9/7/2020 Japan, the world’s third-largest economy shrank an annualized 28.1% in April-June. 8/31/2020 YoY Japans Capital spending shed 11.3% in April, the biggest drop since the first quarter of 2010 8/30/2020 Industrial output in Japan climbed a seasonally adjusted 8.0 % in July Retail sales in Japan fell 3.3% MoM 8/20/2020 Japans core-core inflation index, which excludes food and energy prices rose 0.4% YoY. 8/19/2020 Japan Industrial Production (YoY) dipped from previous -17.7% to -18.2% in June 8/19/2020 Japan Capacity Utilization: 6.2% (June) vs -11.6% 8/16/2020 Japan the world’s third-largest economy shrank an annualised 27.8% in April-June, marking the biggest decline since comparable data became available in 1980 4/9/17 Japans unemployment rate at 2.8%. Over 10% of the country’s firms admit that some workers frequently put in more than 100 hours of overtime in a month 12/6/2015 The Bank of Japan’s main inflation gauge dropped for a second consecutive month as the effects of low oil prices continue to take a toll, keeping Governor Haruhiko Kuroda distant from his 2 percent inflation target. Consumer prices excluding fresh food declined 0.1 percent in September from a year earlier 3/16/15 Japan's CPI rose 2.2 % YoY in January, marking the 20th consecutive monthly growth. 9/1/14 Japan's consumer prices rose 3.3% in July 5/4/14 BOJ holds pat on further easing, on course for 2% inflation target. Japan's March jobless rate steady at 3.6% (Guardian) 3/16/14 (Telegraph) Japan's first new geothermal power plant in 15 years to open next month: A new chapter in Japan's energy industry begins when a new geothermal power plant taps into the nation's famed seismic activity - opening the floodgates for dozens of similar projects across the country. 3/2/14 Japan's unemployment rate stands at 3.7% in January Japan's consumer prices rose 1.3 % in January 11/28/13 Japan's central bank kept its ultra-loose monetary policy in place and says the economy is on track for a "moderate recovery”. •YoY Japan's consumer prices increased by 0.9% in October, marking the fastest growth in five years and signaling possible exit from deflation. 11/28/13 China and Japan appeared to be a step closer to a military confrontation that could drag in the United States, after Beijing extended its air-defense zone over a group of islands that is also claimed by Tokyo.. 8/30/13 Radiation levels around Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant are 18 times higher than previously thought, Japanese authorities have warned. 8/24/13 On 8/12/13 Kochi Japan hit 41C (105.8F). That's the hottest temperature ever recorded in Japan. 5/3/13 YoY Japans household spending rose 5.2 % in March, in price-adjusted real terms a nine year high, as "Abenomics" gains momentum. 11/4e/12 Japan's exports fell 10.3% in September from a year earlier, the biggest drop since the tsunami disaster in March last year, and the fourth consecutive month of decline. 6/10/12 YoY Japans current account surplus declined 21.2% in April Japans index of leading indicator dropped 1.3 points to 95.1 6/3/12 Japan and China will begin direct yen- yuan trading on June 1, Japanese Finance Minister Jun Azumi said Tuesday, abandoning the existing system that determines yen-yuan rates via their U.S.dollar values. Japan's industrial production rose 0.2 % in April. 4/20/12 Japan's trade deficit in the past fiscal year ending in March stood at 4.41 trillion yen (about 54. 19 billion U.S. dollars), marking the worst ever reading for the country. 2/9/12 Japan's key machinery orders fall 7.1 % 12/15/2011 Japans Tankan survey, the large manufacturer index of sentiment fell to minus 4 in December from plus 2 in September, marking the first decline in two quarters and retreating more than consensus market forecasts. 11/29/11 Japan's unemployment rate stood at a 4.5% in October According to the OECD's twice-yearly Economic Outlook report, despite planned tax hikes and spending cuts, Japan will see government debt rise to 230 % of GDP in 2013, meaning the nation's public finances, already the worst in the industrialized world, are set to worsen further. 11/22/11 (Bloomberg) Dismissed as a “nobody” by Japan's nuclear industry, seismologist Katsuhiko Ishibashi spent two decades watching his predictions of disaster come true: First in the 1995 Kobe earthquake and then at Fukushima. He says the government still doesn’t get it. 11/18/11 (BBC) Radioactive cesium found in Japans rice. 11/11/2011 MoM Japan's Industrial Production fell -3.3%. Japan’s September Capacity Utilization down -3.6 9/8/11 Bank of Japan says post-quake recovery intact, keeps policy rate unchanged at 0%-0.1% 8/23/11 Moody's downgraded Japanese Government Debt to AA3 from AA2 Japan creates $100 billion credit line as a step to cope with yen's recent spike 8/20/11 NYT) Broad areas around the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant could soon be declared uninhabitable, perhaps for decades, after a government survey found radioactive contamination that far exceeded safe levels, several major media outlets said Monday. 8/2/11 The Institute of Energy Economics for Japan (IEEJ) reported that alternative energy imports (Coal ?) would rise significantly if local authorities kept reactors shut after routine maintenance due to safety concerns after Fukushima. 8/2/11 The 10 sieverts of radiation detected on Aug. 1 outside reactor buildings was the highest the Geiger counters used were capable of reading, indicating the level could have been higher 8/2/11 YoY Japan's monetary base rose 15.0 % in July. The Institute of Energy Economics for Japan (IEEJ) reported that alternative energy imports (Coal ?) would rise significantly if local authorities kept reactors shut after routine maintenance due to safety concerns after Fukushima. 7/28/11 Japan's jobless rate out at 4.6%, up from May’s 4.5%. YoY Japan’s consumer price index rose 0.4 % in June 4/5/11 TEPCO: radioactive seawater 7.5 mln times the legal limit. 3/29/11 Bloomberg: The cost of shipping liquefied natural gas may advance 67 percent to a five-year high as Japan replaces its crippled nuclear industry with power plants burning fossil fuels. Japan's recent earthquake and tsunami and its ongoing nuclear crisis haven't affected the government's schedule for tenders to import grains. Japan's jobless rate drops to 4.6% in February Radiation levels in Fukushima No 2 were strong enough to prevent crews entering the area, stalling efforts to restore the unit’s electrical and fuel-cooling systems. Doses of 1,000 millisieverts per hour were detected in the water, Tepco and nuclear safety officials said. Goldman Sachs: Japan's tsunami and nuclear reactor scare have put up to 20% of its meat production at risk. 3/28/11 All Japanese ports affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the northeastern part of the country on March 11 have now reopened, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. 3/18/11 The quake-tsunami-radiation-struck regions account for 6% of Japan's total agricultural land and 10% of the paddy area. AIG said first-quarter catastrophes including the earthquake in Japan will cost the company about $1 billion. 2/28/11 Japan's industrial production in January climbed 2.4 percent from the previous month, marking the third straight month of increase. 2/27/11 Bloomberg) -- Japan’s public pension fund, the world’s largest, said it may become a net seller of bonds to cover payments in the world’s most rapidly aging society. 2/13/11 YoY Japan's GDP fell 1.1% in October-December -- not as bad as feared. 2/7/11 YoY Japan's monetary base rose 5.5 %. 1/31/11 Japan's industrial output rose a stronger-than-expected 3.1% in December 1/14/11 MoM Japanese core machinery orders fell 3.0% 12/7/10 YoY Bank lending in Japan fell 2.1% in November, marking the 12th successive month of decline. YoY Japan's current account surplus rose 2.9 % in October to 1,436.2 billion yen (17.20 billion U.S.) MoM Japan's core machinery orders declined 1.4% in October 11/26/10 Consumer prices in Japan fell 0.6 % in October, the Japanese government said on Friday. 11/5/10 Japan’s September leading indicators fell 0.6 % MoM. Japan's central bank left key rate on hold. 10/13/10 Japanese machinery orders rose 10.1% in August. 10/5/10 Japan announced it will buy more bonds and cut its key overnight call rate to a range of 0.0%-0.1% 10/4/10 YoY the monetary base in Japan rose 5.8% in September 9/29/10 Japan’s Tankan index for big manufacturers' sentiment was plus 8 in September, up for a sixth straight quarter and marking the best reading since March 2008. 9/27/10 YoY Japan's trade surplus dropped 37.5% in August YoY Japan's exports in August grew 15. 8 % 9/26/10 Japans ruling party mulls $55B Stimulus plan. 9/13/10 Japan and India reached a bilateral free trade agreement in Tokyo on Thursday. The pact will eliminate import tariffs on most products traded between the two giant Asian economies within 10 years. 9/10/10 Japan's GDP increased a revised 0.4 percent in April-June from the previous quarter 8/31/10 YoY average monthly wages at Japanese companies with at least five employees rose 1.3% in July YoY Japan's retail sales rose 3.9 % in July 8/27/10 Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said on Friday the government would approve fresh stimulus measures. 8/26/10 India overtook Japan in demand for oil among Asian nations in the second quarter of 2010. 8/6/10 MoM Japan's coincident composite index rose 0.1 point 7/16/10 Japan's Tertiary industry index fell 0.9% in May. Assets held in Japan’s first exchange-traded funds backed by gold and other precious metals may increase eight-fold in a year as investors seek to protect their wealth in the country with the world’s biggest public debt -- said Osamu Hoshi, deputy general manager at Mitsubishi Trust and Banking 7/15/10 The Bank of Japan left rates unchanged but raised its economic forecast for the current fiscal year. Japan revised June machine tool orders up 139.5% 7/13/10 Japanese consumer confidence improved to 43.5 in June from 42.8 in May, the highest level since September 2007 7/1/10 Japan's Tankan survey rose from -14 to +1 6/30/10 YoY Japan’s housing starts fell 4.6% in May 6/10/10 Japan's GDP rose 1.2% in Q1 and 4.2% YoY 6/9/10 Japan's machinery orders rose 4% in April 6/3/10 Japan's capital spending fell 11.5% Q1 5/28/10 Japan's unemployment rate rose from 5.0% to 5.1% in April. YoY Japan’s consumer prices fell 1.2% in April YoY Japan’s household spending fell 0.7% in April. 4/1/10 Japan’s Tankan index rose from -25 to -14 in March 3/30/10 Japan's unemployment rate was unchanged in February, at 4.9% Japan’s industrial production fell 0.9%. Japan’s household spending fell 0.5% in February 3/29/10 YoY Japan's retail sales rose 4.2% in February 3/24/10 YoY Japan's exports rose 45% in February -- Imports rose 30%. 3/17/10 Japan's tertiary index of services rose 2.9% in January 2/17/10 Japan's index of services fell 0.9% in December 2/16/10 Japan's GDP rose 1.1% in Q4 but fell 0 .9% YoY. The Bank of Japan said that it is committed to increasing inflation to a target level of 1.0%. 2/8/10 YoY Japan’s bank lending fell 1.5% in January. 1/19/10 Japan's consumer confidence fell from 39.5 to 37.6 in December. 12/16/09 Japan's tertiary index rose 0.5% 12/9/09 Japan’s GDP rose 0.3% in the third quarter, but fell5.1% YoY MoM Japanese core machinery orders fell 4.5% in October 12/1/09 The Bank of Japan decided at an unscheduled policy meeting to offer up to Y10,000bn in three-month low-interest loans to commercial banks. 11/29/09 Japan's unemployment rate improved from 5.3% to 5.1% in October 11/16/09 Japan's GDP rose 1.2% in Q3, but fell 4.5% YoY 11/12/09 Japan’s producer prices fell 6.7% YoY 10/28/09 YoY Japan's retail sales fell 1.4% in September 10/22/09 YoY Japan's exports fell 30.7% in September. 10/19/09 Japan's tertiary index of services rose from 96.8 to 97.1 in August -- better than expected. 10/9/09 Japan's machinery orders rose 0.5% in August 10/7/09 Japan's coincident index rose from 89.8 to 91.4 in August 9/30/09 Industrial output in Japan rose 1.8% in August 9/28/09 Japan's consumer price index fell 2.4%, the fastest pace on record 9/10/09 Japan's machinery orders fell 9.3% in July 8/28/09 Japan's unemployment rate rose from 5.4% to 5.7% in July. Japan’s consumer prices fell 2.2% in July Japan’s July household spending fell -2.0% (-0.5% expected) 8/26/09 YoY Japan's exports fell 36.5% in July. Japan’s August Small Business Confidence rose to 41.8 from 41.1 in July 8/20/09 Japan's July Convenience Store Sales fell -7.5% YoY versus -2.3% in June 8/18/09 Japan's July Nationwide Dept. Store Sales fell -11.7% vs. -8.8% prior 8/17/09 Japan's GDP expanded 3.7% YoY 8/11/09 Japan's July Consumer Confidence rose to 39.7 from 38.1 in June. 8/10/09 Japan's machinery orders rose 9.7% in June 7/31/09 Japan’s June Jobless Rate rose to 5.4% (5.3% expected) and 5.2% in May YoY Japan’s June Household Spending rose 0.2% YoY (0.5% expected) 7/30/09 Japan's industrial production rose 2.4% in June -- and 8.3% in Q2. On this news copper rose to the highest close in nine month. 7/29/09 Japan June Retail sales fell 3.0% YoY (-2.5% expected) 7/23/09 YoY Japan's exports fell 36% in June 7/22/09 YoY Japan’s June Supermarket Sales fell -4.4% 7/21/09 YoY Japan June Department Store Sales fell -8.8% 7/16/09 Japan’s tertiary index of services fell 0.1% in May. 7/15/09 Japan left target rate unchanged at 0.10% as expected 7/13/09 Japan June Consumer Confidence rose to 38.1 from 36.3 in May 7/9/09 Japan’s June Machine Tool Orders fell 73.1% YoY 7/8/09 Japan’s June Machine Orders fell -3.0% MoM 7/1/09 Japan's Tankan business confidence rose from -58 to -48 6/30/09 Japan’s unemployment rate rose from 5.0% to 5.2%, Japan’s household spending rose 0.3% 6/29/09 Japan’s May Retail Sales fell 2.8% YoY Japan’s Industrial output rose 5.9% in May, the third consecutive month of positive gain. 6/26/09 YoY Japan’s CPI fell 1.1% in May 6/23/09 (FT) Japanese retail investors, once enamored of Icelandic bank accounts and kiwi bonds, are now turning their purchasing power to Japanese stocks Japan's exports in May dropped 40.9% YoY 6/22/09 Japan's Tankan survey rose from -66.0 to -13.2 in Q2 6/10/09 Japan's April Machine orders fell 32.8% YoY 5/29/09 Japan’s retail sales rose 0.6% in April, Japan’s unemployment rate rose from 4.8% to 5.0% Japan Apr. Housing Starts fell 32.4% YoY 5/28/09 Japan’s industrial production rose 5.2% MoM YoY Japan's retail sales fell 2.9% in April 5/27/09 YoY Japan's export fell 38.1% in April, but rose 1.9% MoM 5/19/09 Japan's economy shrank a record 4.0% in Q1. 5/1/2009 YoY Japan’s consumer price index fell 0.3% Japan’s unemployment rate rose from 4.4% to 4.8% 4/30/09 U.S. personal incomes fell 0.3% in March U.S. consumer spending fell 0.2%. U.S. jobless claims fell 14,000 last week to 631,000. U.S. employment cost index rose 0.3% QoQ and 2.1% YoY. Chicago purchasing managers' index rose from 30.9 to 40.1 in April 4/29/09 Japan’s industrial output rose 1.6%. 4/28/09 YoY Japan’s retail sales fell 3.9% in March 4/22/09 YoY Japan's exports fell 45.6% in March 4/13/09 YoY Japan’s producer prices fell 2.2% in March 4/8/09 Japanese machinery orders rose 1.4%. (Bloomberg) -- Japan’s Prime Minister Taro Aso may unveil a 15.4 trillion yen stimulus package ($154 billion) to help revive an economy headed toward the worst recession since World War II. 4/1/2009 Japan's Tankan survey of business sentiment fell from -24 to a new record low of -58 3/31/09 Japans jobless rate rose to 4.4% last month from 4.1% in January. Some 77% of jobless people aren’t getting unemployment benefits, the highest figure among Group of Seven nations except Italy. 3/30/09 MoM Japanese industrial output fell 9.4% in February (Bloomberg) -- Japanese companies cut inventories at an unprecedented pace in February and said they would increase production in coming months, indicating the worst of the country’s manufacturing slump may be over. 3/27/09 YoY Japan retail sales fell 5.8% in February 3/25/09 YoY Japan's exports fell 50% in February 3/18/09 Japan intends to buy $18 billion of government bonds this month to support the economy. 3/12/2009 Japan's GDP fell 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2008 3/6/09 Residents of two northern Japanese villages have received the first $65 per person, from the government's controversial Y2 trillion cash handout scheme aimed at boosting consumer spending. 3/2/2009 YoY Japan’s auto sales fell 32% in February. 2/27/09 Japan's factory output fell 10.0% in January Japan’s household spending fell 5.9% YoY 2/10/09 Japan's consumer confidence improved from 26.2 to 26.4 1/30/09 Japan’s household spending fell 4.6% Japan’s industrial production fell 9.6% Japan’s consumer prices rose 0.4%. 1/28/09 Japan’s retail sales fell 2.7% YoY Japan’s unemployment rose to 4.4% from 3.9% 1/26/09 China-Japan November's container trade down 15% 1/23/09 Japan Nov All Industry Index fell -2.3% from -0.5% 1/21/09 YoY Japan’s exports fell 35% -- sharpest decline since 1980 1/20/09 Japan’s consumer confidence fell from 28.4 to 26.2 in December -- the lowest on record 1/14/09 Japan’s machine orders, fell 16.2 % MoM -- the biggest decline since the survey began in 1987 1/8/09 The Japanese central bank is providing banks with emergency loans ($13bn) in a new bid to stimulate its worsening economy. 12/18/2008 (Bloomberg) -- The Bank of Japan cut its benchmark interest rate to 0.1 percent and introduced new ways of pumping money into the banking system to bolster the ailing economy. 12/12/2008 Japan will spend 23 trillion yen ($255 billion) to help the economy. 12/8/08/Japan's GDP fell 0.5% QoQ and 0.4% YoY. 11/21/08 Japan kept the interest rate at 0.30% Japan's Finance Minister said he may consider intervention to bring the yen down from "undesirable" levels. 11/17/08 Japan’s GDP fell 0.1% in the third quarter. (Reuters) - Japan became the latest major economy to fall into recession on Monday 11/10/2008 Japan's machinery orders rose 5.5% in September. 10/31/08 Japan reduced its interest rate from 0.50% to 0.30% Japan’s consumer prices rose 2.1% YoY. Japan’s unemployment rate improved from 4.2% to 4.0%. 10/30/08 Japan proposed a new stimulus package by giving $600 to every family household. 10/27/08 Japan's retail sales fell 0.4% YoY 10/15/08 Japan pledged unlimited supply of dollars to lenders. 10/7/2008 Japan left interest rate unchanged at 0.50%. 10/1/2008 Japan's Cabinet agreed to a $17 billion stimulus package. 9/30/08 Japan’s unemployment rate rose from 4.0% to 4.2% in August. Japan’s industrial production fell 3.5% in August Japans household spending fell 4.0% 9/25/08 Japan's manufacturing sentiment improved from -15.1 to -10.0 9/12/08 Japan's GDP fell 0.7% in the second quarter. 9/10/08 YoY Japan’s wholesale prices rose 7.2% in August 8/20/08 Japan's exports rebounded in July as China replaced the U.S. as the nation's largest customer. 8/19/08 Japan kept the interest rate unchanged at 0.50%. 8/12/08 Japan's wholesale prices rose 7.1% YoY. 8/7/08 Japan’s machinery orders fell 2.6% in June. 7/24/08 YoY Japan's exports fell 1.7% in June. 7/9/2008 Japan's core machinery orders rose 10.4% -- much faster than forecast 7/1/08 Japan's Tankan Index fell from +11 to +5 in the second quarter. 6/17/08 Japan's tertiary index rose 1.8% in April. 6/11/08 Japan's GDP rose 1.0% QoQ and 1.6% YoY Japan’s producer prices rose 4.7% YoY. 6/10/08 Japan's machinery orders rose 5.5% in April and 0.5% YoY. 5/30/08 Japan's consumer prices fell 0.1% in April, and rose 0.8% YoY. Japan’s unemployment rate rose from 3.8% to 4.0% in April. Japan’s household spending fell 2.7% YoY. 5/17/08 Japan's GDP rose 3.3% in the January to March quarter. 4/30/08 Japan’s unemployment rate improved from 3.9% to 3.8% in March. 4/18/08 Japan's consumer sentiment index improved from 36.1 to 36.7 in March. 4/11/08 YoY Japan’s producer prices rose 3.9%. 3/31/08 Japan's industrial production fell 1.2% in February. 3/28/08 Japan’s unemployment rate rose from 3.8% to 3.9% in February. Japan's consumer prices fell 0.2% MoM, but rose 1.0% YoY. 2/18/08 Toshiba is pulling out of the HD DVD business, handing victory to Sony's Blu-ray. 2/14/08 BOJ kept interest rate unchanged at 0.5%. 2/14/08 GDP in Japan rose 0.9% QoQ and 1.8% YoY. 2/13/06 Producer prices in Japan rose 3.0% YoY. 2/6/08 Japan's index of leading indicators out at 40% 1/30/08 Industrial output in Japan rose 1.4% in December. 1/29/08 Japan’s employment rate unchanged at 3.8%. Japan's retail sales fell 0.1% YoY. Household spending rose 2.2%. 1/25/08 Japan's consumer prices rose 0.7% YoY 1/24/08 YoY Japan's trade surplus narrowed 20.9% in December 1/22/08 Japan left its key its interest rate unchanged at 0.50% 12/19/07 Japan's reduced its GDP growth estimate for 2007-2008 from 2.1% to 1.3%. 12/12/07 Japan’s wholesale prices rose 2.3% in November Japan October Current Account was +¥2565B (+¥2277B expected) 12/11/07 Japan’s machinery orders rose 12.7% in October, stronger than expected. 12/6/07 Japan Nov. preliminary Machine Tool Orders rose 13.0% YoY 12/03/07 Japan Q3 Capital Spending rose 3.4% YoY 11/30/07 Japans consumer prices rose 0.3% Japans unemployment rate unchanged at 4% in October and Japans household spending rose 0.6% in October. Japans housing starts fell 35% YoY 11/10/07 Japan's industrial output rose 2.2% 10/31/07 Japan estimates GDP growth at 1.8% down from 2.1%. Japan kept rates unchanged at 0.50%. Japan's housing starts fell 44% YoY 9/28/07 YoY Japan’s household spending rose 1.6% YoY Japan’s Industrial production rose 3.4%. Japans unemployment rate rose from 3.6% to 3.8. YoY consumer prices in Tokyo fell 0.2% 8/10/07 YoY Japanese wholesale prices rose 2.1 percent in July -- for the 41st straight monthly increase. Japanese corporate failures rose 15.6% in July. 7/30/07 Japan's industrial production increased 1.2% in June. 7/19/07 Japans earthquake disclosed safety problems that could arise at nuclear-power plants during a powerful earthquake. The fault along which Monday's magnitude-6.8 earthquake occurred appears to extend right beneath Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant -- the world's largest atomic power complex. 6/29/07 YoY Japans consumer prices were unchanged. 6/15/07 The yen dropped to a fifteen year low against the pound and a fresh four-and-a-half-year against the dollar after the Bank of Japan left interest rates on hold at its monthly policy meeting. 6/12/07 Japan's economy grew at an annual rate of 3.3% in the first quarter of 2007, up from an earlier estimate of 2.4%. YoY GDP rose 2.6%. YoY Japan's wholesale inflation rose 2.2 percent in May. 5/25/07 Japans consumer prices were unchanged YoY. 5/17/07 Japan's GDP was up 0.6% in the first quarter of 2007 and up 2.0% YoY. 4/10/07 The Bank of Japan kept the interest rate unchanged at 0.50%. 4/3/07 Japan's index of business sentiment, dropped 25 in December to 23 in March. 4/1/07 Japans unemployment rate was 4.0% in February, the lowest in over eight years. Japans household spending in Japan was up 1.3% in February, stronger than expected. Japans Industrial production was down 0.2% in February, stronger than expected. YoY Japans consumer prices were down 0.2% in February. 3/13/07 Japan changed its economic growth figures for the fourth quarter to an annual pace of 5.5 %, the strongest growth in three years. 3/5/07 Japan's unemployment rate improved from 4.1% to 4.0% in January. Japan’s household spending rose 0.6% in January. Japan's corporate spending increased 16.8% QoQ. 2/28/07 Industrial production in Japan was down 1.5% in January. 2/21/07 The Bank of Japan raised rates from 0.25% to 0.50% by a vote of 8 to 1. 2/14/07 Gross domestic product in Japan expanded 4.8 % YoY, more than expected. 2/9/07 Japan's machine orders in December were down 0.7 %, from a 3.8 % gain in November --not helping the Yen. 1/30/07 Japan’s household spending was down 1.9% in December, the twelfth consecutive decline. Japans Industrial production was up 0.7% in December. Japan's unemployment rate rose from 4.0% to 4.1% in December. 1/23/07 Japan is considering legislation designed to encourage the widespread use of biofuels such as ethanol as a way to tackle global warming and diversify energy sources, The Nikkei reported. 1/16/07 The yen fell to a new low against the dollar after a report suggested the Bank of Japan was unlikely to raise rates at its meeting. 12/28/06 Japan's Nov industrial production rose 0.7% MoM, increasing the chances for a BOJ rate hike in January by 25 bp to 0.50%. 12/26/06 Japan’s unemployment rate fell from 4.1% to 4.0%, the lowest in eight years, household spending was down 0.7% YoY. Japan’s personal consumption, which makes up 55 percent of the economy, may appear weak at first glance, but a closer look at economic indicators suggests the outlook is not so bad. The minutes of the Bank of Japan meeting on Nov 15-16 contained some hawkish comments that supported the view the BOJ is leaning toward further tightening over the near-term. 12/19/06 The Bank of Japan met and kept its interest rate unchanged at 0.25%, as expected. 12/15/06 Japan's tankan survey, increased from +24 to +25 in September, the highest in two years 12/14/06 Japan's top financial diplomat does not expect the yen to weaken further due to any domestic reasons as the economy is performing steadily. 12/11/06 Japanese Consumer Confidence for November out at 48.9 vs. 48.8 expected. 11/29/06 Japan's industrial production increased 1.6% in October, more than expected and a new record high. 11/28/06 Retail sales in Japan were down 0.2% in October, more than expected. 11/21/06 The minutes from the latest Bank of Japan monetary policy meeting show the bank plans to raise rates gradually to keep pace with inflation and growth. 10/17/06 Japans tertiary index, which measures spending in the services sector, rose 0.7% MoM. YOY the index rose 1.6 pct in August following a revised 2.0% increase in July. 10/17/06 The Bank of Japan plans to beef up monitoring of "carry trades," and is concerned about how hedge funds and other investors are helping push down the yen, the Nihon Keizai newspaper reported. 10/16/06 Russia's central bank said it was starting to buy the Japanese currency for its reserves. The proportion of Russia's foreign exchange reserves currently invested in the yen was close to zero, but the bank would try to increase it to several percent of total reserves. 10/16/06 Consumer confidence in Japan slipped from -6.7 to -11.0. 10/13/06 Bank of Japan reported producer prices in September rose 3.6 %, the most in 25 years. 10/13/06 Bank of Japan voted unanimously to keep the overnight call rate target at 0.25 %. BOJ Governor Fukui said that he "cannot rule out the possibility" of another rate hike this year. Market expectation for a rate hike this year has dropped to 25%. 10/10/06 Machinery orders in Japan were up 6.7% in August, less than expected. 10/3/06 Japan's Finance Minister Kohi Omi said that, "Judging from the current state of the economy, we can declare Japan's deflation is over." The yen dropped against the dollar and Euro after North Korea said it will conduct a nuclear test. 9/27/06 Japan's new Finance Minister Koji Omi said on Wednesday he saw no need to comment or act on movements in the euro/yen rate now and warned markets "I'm still an amateur" on currencies. 9/20/06 Japan's trade surplus widened 95.5 percent to 200.5 billion yen as exports to the United States grew 19.3 percent and exports to China rose 20.0 percent YoY. 9/15/06 Japan’s publicly traded real estate investment trusts and unlisted property funds saw their aggregate assets increase about 80% YoY to nearly 8 trillion yen (US$68.4 billion) 9/8/06 The Conference Board's index of leading indicators for Japan showed a decline of 0.5% in July to 101.1. The Bank of Japan kept its interest rate unchanged at 0.25%. 8/29/06 Japan’s unemployment rate improved from 4.2% to 4.1% in July. 8/26/06 YoY consumer prices in Tokyo were up 0.9% in August. In Japan overall prices were up 0.3% YoY. Less than expected. 8/12/06 Japan's Q2 GDP fell to an annualized 0.8% and Q1 was revised lower to 2.7% from 3.1% The Bank of Japan kept its interest rate unchanged at 0.25%. 8/9/06 Machinery orders in Japan +8.5% in June, more than expected. 8/2/06 Bank of Japan Policy Board member Atsushi Mizuno said on Wednesday it would be a mistake to think there will be no more rate rises this year, although the central bank has said future rate moves will be gradual 8/1/06 Japan's land prices rose +0.9% in 2005. Land prices in Tokyo rose +5.4% in 2005, for the second year of growth. 7/31/06 Japan's June industrial production rose 1.9% MoM, which was stronger than the market consensus of 1.3% 7/20/06 The OECD advised the Bank of Japan to be careful about raising interest rates. The report said that Japan's CPI should rise +1% before the BOJ increases interest rates (the June CPI was up only +0.1% YoY). The OECD predicted Japanese GDP growth at +2.8% in 2006 and +2.2% in 2007. 7/18/06 Japan's index of services, increased 0.5% in May, stronger than expected. Japan's economy -- already in its second-longest growth cycle of the postwar era -- will likely keep recovering with the end of deflation in sight, the government said in an economic white paper on Tuesday. 7/5/06 The Bank of Japan will raise a key interest rate to 0.25 percent from zero next week, a news report said Tuesday, amid conflicting signals from government officials over the wisdom of such a move. 7/3/06 Japans Tankan survey increased from +20 in May to +21 in June. 6/30/06 The unemployment rate in Japan improved from 4.1% to 4.0% in May, the lowest in eight years. YoY Japan's consumer prices were up 0.6% in May. 6/28/06 YoY Retail sales in Japan were up 0.1% in May 6/20/06 Bank of Japan Governor said policy decisions should be taken "early" if warranted by economic conditions, rekindling speculation the central bank would soon raise interest rates from zero. 6/19/06 Japan seizes control of whaling group after historic vote. In a stunning diplomatic coup, Japan and its allies, including Norway and Iceland, won a voting majority in the IWC for the first time, as a result of a remorseless 10-year Japanese campaign to secure the votes of small African and Caribbean countries in exchange for multimillion-dollar foreign aid packages. 6/7/06 Japan's index of leading indicators was unchanged in April, at 50.0. 6/5/06 Japan's Ministry of Finance said that YoY corporate profits were up 4% in the first quarter. 6/5/06 YoY Japan’s capital spending was up 13.9% in the first quarter. 5/26/06 Consumer prices in Japan were up 0.3% in April and up 0.4% from a year ago. Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki said that Japan's economy remains in deflation, although price conditions are improving. 5/24/06 Japan's service index, was down 0.6% in March, weaker than expected. Japan's trade surplus fell 31.8 percent in April from a year earlier to 646.2 billion yen as a surge in the cost of imports prompted by high oil prices offset a steady rise in exports, government data showed on Thursday. 5/8/06 Land prices in Japan rose in 2005 for the first time in 15 years, Bank of Japan calculations showed on Monday, underscoring the economy's steady recovery from more than a decade of stagnation. 4/28/06 YoY consumer prices in Japan were up 0.3% in March 4/21/06 Japan's service industry index, was down 1.5% in February. 4/20/06 Japan's Exports exceeded imports by roughly $8.3 billion in March. 4/17/06 Japan's consumer confidence index increased from 47.9 in December to 48.2 in March, the best reading in 14 years. 4/14/06 Japanese corporate bankruptcies fell in the past business year, marking the fourth straight year of decline and their lowest level in a decade, helped by an improving economy and greater financial aid for small firms. 4/10/06 Japanese machinery orders, a key gauge of capital spending, rose 3.4% in February, a sign that strong investment by companies is likely to keep underpinning a steady recovery. 04/06/06 Japan's Cabinet Office said that its leading index dropped from 81.8% to 80.0% in February, still a sign of growth. 4/3/06 Japan's Tankan survey of manufacturer sentiment fell from 21 to 20. Japan's unemployment rate fell from 4.5% to 4.1% in February. 3/31/06 YoY Japans consumer prices were up 0.4% in February. 3/13/06 Japan's GDP growth in the fourth quarter was revised down from an annual rate of 5.5% to 5.4%. Bank of Japan Governor Fukui said that he is not yet ready to discuss raising Japan's interest rate. 3/10/06 Japan's machinery orders were down 6.2% in January, but up 9.8 YoY. 3/6/06 YoY Japan's Finance Ministry said that capital spending was up 9.5% in the fourth quarter. 2/27/06 Hawkish comments by Bank of Japan governor Toshihiko Fukui last week fueled expectations the central bank will end its ultraeasy monetary policy around April. 2/21/06 A high-ranking Japanese banker urged the Bank of Japan on Tuesday to end its ultraloose monetary policy as quickly as possible and return to a "more normal" stance. 2/17/06 Japan's GDP increased 1.4% in the fourth quarter of 2005, more than expected. For calendar year 2005, real GDP was up 2.8%. Japan's latest economic growth figures show that prices, as measured by the GDP deflator, were still declining in the October-December quarter, prompting fresh calls for the Bank of Japan to weigh carefully any decision to end its ultraeasy policy. 2/13/06 The Bank of Japan said that wholesale prices were up 2.7% in January YoY. There is speculation that Japan may shortly end its policy of low interest rates. 2/13/06 Retail sales in the U.K. were up 1.5% in 2005, online retail sales were up 29%. 2/10/06 YoY Japans producer price index was up 2.7% in January. 2/10/06 Japans machinery orders were up 6.8% in December, more than expected. 1/27/06 YoY Consumer prices in Japan were down 0 .1% in December. 1/17/06 Japan's Cabinet Office said that a quarterly index of consumer confidence increased from 44.8 to 48.2, the highest reading in 14 years. 1/11/06 A persistent fall in Japanese bank lending slowed in December to its smallest decline in nearly five years, a bright sign for business conditions because of a stronger economy and improvement in banks' financial condition. An index of leading indicators for Japan dropped from 81.8 to 60.0 in November. 1/9/06 Japanese Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki urged the Bank of Japan to use caution in deciding when to end its ultraloose monetary policy, even though he expects the nation's economy to shake off deflation in 2006 12/28/05 YoY Japan's industrial production was up 1.4% in November. 12/27/05 Japan's unemployment rate increased from 4.5% to 4.6% in November, Household spending was down 0.7% Japan's consumer price index was down 0.3% in November -- down 0.8% YoY. 12/14/05 Delinquencies on U.S. home mortgages rose in the third quarter due to the displacement of people by Hurricane Katrina but they fell from a year earlier as the economy improved, an industry group said on Wednesday. 12/14/05 Japan's Tankan index, a confidence index of large manufacturers, increased from 19 to 21 in the fourth quarter, the highest in twelve month. 12/12/05 Japan's current account surplus widened by 2.6% to 1.38 trillion ten ($11.4 Billion) in October. 12/9/05 Japan's GDP was up 0.2% in the latest quarter, down from an earlier estimate of 0.4%. 12/8/05 Japan's machinery orders rose 4.8% in October, providing more evidence of firms' strong desire to invest as they enjoy brisk profits and benefit from a steady recovery in the economy 12/7/05 Japan's Cabinet Office said that its index of leading indicators jumped from 41.7 to 80.0 in October, a sign of optimism for the economy. 12/1/05 Current exchange rates between the dollar and yen are in line with economic fundamentals, Japanese Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Friday. 11/29/05 Japans household spending increased 1.2% in October. Japans industrial production was up 0.6%. Japans October unemployment rate increased from 4.2% to 4.5%. 11/28/05 Retail sales in Japan were down 0.3% in October. The policy chief of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party said Monday the country had yet to beat deflation. 11/18/05 The Bank of Japan said the nation's economy is continuing to recover. 11/10/05 The Conference Board said the index of leading indicators for Japan increased 0.4% in September to 99.7. 11/10/05 Japan's machinery orders were up 2.1% in the third quarter to 3.1 trillion yen, stronger than expected and the most in over four years. 11/07/05 YoY Japan's household spending was up 1.0% in September, the first increase in six months. 10/28/05 Japan's household spending was down 0.2% in September and Industrial production was up 0.2% -- less than expected. 10/26/05 Japan's exports improved 8.8% in September to a new record high, while imports rose 17%. 10/21/05 Japan's service industries picked up 1.7% in August, more than expected. Suggesting that consumer spending remained a strong driver of economic growth thanks to higher incomes and better employment conditions. 10/03/05 Japan's Tankan index of business confidence increased less than expected from 18 to 19. 09/29/05 Retail sales in Japan were up 1.5% in August, stronger than expected. 09/22/05 Japan's trade surplus shrank 80 percent in August from a year earlier, much more than economists had expected as high oil prices boosted import costs, but firm exports suggested that an economic recovery remained on track. 09/20/05 Land prices in central Tokyo rose for the first time since 1990 in the 12 months ended July 1. 09/14/05 The Bank of Japan is "very close" to ending its ultra-loose monetary policy, its deputy governor said yesterday, although he stressed that current policy would be maintained until deflationary expectations were eradicated. 09/12/05 Japan's GDP was up 0.8% in the second quarter, stronger than expected. For the first half of 2005, the GDP was up an annual rate of 4.6%. 09/08/05 Japans index of coincident economic indicators was at 22.2% in July, an sign of contraction. Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui said on Thursday the BOJ would need to make sure deflation was well and truly beaten before scrapping its ultra-easy monetary policy, and he appeared to leave the door open to leaving rates at zero even once the policy was abandoned. 08/30/05 Household spending in Japan was down 3.5% in July. Retail sales in July were down 2.2% and the unemployment rate rose from 4.2% to 4.4%. 08/25/05 Japan's exports were up 4.3% in July and imports were up 11.6%. 08/10/05 Tokyo's Nikkei share average rose 2 percent to a fresh 15-month intraday high on Wednesday amid growing optimism about the Japanese economy. The Conference Board's index of leading indicators for Japan was up 0.5% in June to 98.6. Machinery orders were up 11.1% in June to the highest level in five years. 08/01/05 Japan will slap 15% levies on US steel imports from September 1 in retaliation for American steel industry protection measures, Reuters reports 08/01/05 Land prices in Tokyo rose in 2004 for the first time in 13 years, reflecting an economic recovery, while land prices nationally fell for the 13th straight year but at a slower pace, government data showed on Monday. 07/28/05 YoY Retail sales in Japan were up 3.1% in June 07/12/05 Japan's government maintained its view on the economy on Tuesday, saying it saw signs that weakness was receding but that higher oil prices and lingering high-tech inventories were a worry. 07/05/05 An index of leading indicators for Japan improved from 31.8 to 40.0 in May. 06/28/05 Japan's retail sales were down 1.5% in May. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said that they expect Japan's unemployment rate to drop from 4.4% in 2005 to 4.1% in 2006. 06/22/05 Exports in Japan were up 1.4% in May while imports jumped up 18.6%. 06/13/05 Japan's economy grew slightly less than initially estimated in the first three months of 2005, and concern grew that the relatively brisk pace may not be sustained in the coming quarters. 06/10/05 The Conference Board said that the index of leading indicators for Japan was down 0.3% in April to 98.5. 06/09/05 An index of consumer confidence in Japan increased from 47.4 to 48.3 in May, still a sign that pessimism outweighs optimism. 06/07/05 Household spending in Japan was down 3% in April from a year ago. 05/31/05 Japan's unemployment rate fell from 4.5% to 4.4% in April, the lowest in over six years. Industrial production in Japan was up 2.2% in April, roughly as expected. 05/25/05 YoY Japan's exports were up 7.8% in April, while imports were up 12.7%. 05/24/05 An index of services in Japan was down 1% in March, weaker than expected. 05/19/05 Japan's economy is recovering at a moderate pace, the government said on Thursday, keeping its assessment unchanged. 05/17/05 Japan's economy grew at its fastest pace in a year in the first quarter of 2005, more than double the rate expected as robust private consumption and corporate investment more than made up for weak export growth. 05/14/05 Machinery orders in Japan were up 1.9% in March, stronger than expected. but the government forecast a fall in the following three months, a reminder that the economy's recovery is still shaky. 05/11/05 YoY Household spending in Japan was down 0.2% in March. 05/06/05 Tokyo's food safety commission said it would recommend the government waive mad cow disease tests for cattle younger than 21 months, a move toward lifting the ban on American beef imports to Japan. 05/05/05 Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Thursday that deflation continues to plague Japan despite a recovering economy and the government must not relent in its seven-year battle to eradicate it. 04/28/05 Industrial production in Japan was down 0.3% in March. 04/26/05The unemployment rate in Japan improved from 4.7% to 4.5% in March. Household spending was down 1.1% for the month. Consumer prices were down 0.2% in March from a year ago. 04/22/05 An index of services in Japan contracted 1% in February after posting a big 2.4% gain in January. 04/22/05 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi apologized to China for Japan's wartime atrocities and expressed an interest in improving ties between the two countries. 04/21/05 The Bank of Japan said on Thursday the economies of most of Japan's regions are in a mild recovery trend. 04/18/05 The Nikkei 225 fell over 3% to 10,938, the lowest close in four months, hurt by a slowing U.S. economy and dispute with China. 04/13/05 The Japanese government said that their economy is improving at a restrained pace. YoY Producer prices were up 1.4% in March. 04/13/05 The IMF said that they expect real economic growth in 2005 and 2006 for Japan to be .8% and 1.9%. 03/14/05 Japan's GDP was revised upward from -0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2004, to +0.1%, stronger than expected. For all of 2004, GDP was up 2.7%. 03/10/05 Machinery orders in Japan were down 2.2% in January. Orders fell unexpectedly in January as demand for semiconductors and computers weakened. 03/09/05 Japan's index of leading indicators increased from 41.7 to 55.0 in January, the first sign of expansion in five months. 03/07/05 Capital spending in Japan was up 3.5% in the fourth quarter, less than expected. 03/01/05 The unemployment rate in Japan remained at 4.5%, but the economy added 470,000 new jobs. 03/01/05 Japans household spending increased 8.2% in January. 03/01/05 Japans retail sales were up 2.2% in January, the best monthly gain in eight years. 02/27/05 Japan's industrial production rose 2.1 percent in January from a month earlier, above a median market forecast of 1.7 percent 02/24/05 Japanese consumer prices fell in January at the fastest pace since May, extending the nation's period of deflation to almost seven years and making it less likely the central bank will end its zero-rate policy. 02/23/05 YoY Japan's exports increased 3.2% in January imports were up 11.6%. 02/17/05 Bank of Japan Governor Fukui said that despite yesterday's negative GDP report, the economy continues to grow, helped by improved corporate profits and business spending. The central bank kepts its assessment of the economy unchanged for the third consecutive month. 02/16/05 Japan's GDP was down 0.1% in the October to December quarter, weaker than expected and the third consecutive quarter of negative growth. For calendar year 2004, Japan's GDP was up 2.6%, the best in eight years. 02/14/05 An index of consumer confidence in Japan increased from 44.0 to 47.4 in December, stronger than expected. 02/14/05 Japans trade surplus increased in December from 1.39 to 1.78 trillion yen. 02/10/05 Chinese and Indian economies to overtake Japan by 2020 China and India will be the world's second and third largest economies by 2020, pushing Japan into fourth place, according to research by Deutsche Bank. The United States will remain the biggest economy. However, India and Malaysia will overtake China to become the world's fastest-growing economies over the next 15 years due mainly to strong population growth. 02/10/05 Core machinery orders in Japan fell 8.8% in December, but that was not as big of a drop as expected. For all of 2004, core machinery orders were up 4.4%. 02/09/05 An official with the Bank of Japan suggested that the time may be getting near when interest rates will have to be raised. 02/08/05 Household spending in Japan was down 2.5% in December and down 3.5% from a year ago. 01/31/05 Japan's Ministry of Finance said that despite the rising yen, they have not intervened in the currency market since March of 2004. 01/28/05 Japans unemployment rate fell from 4.5% to 4.4% in December, the lowest in six years. 01/28/05 Japans consumer prices were up 0.2% from a year ago and Household spending was down 2.5% in the fourth quarter. Industrial production was down 1.2% in December. 01/26/05 YoY Japan's exports were up 8.8% in December and imports were up 10.9%. 01/19/05 The Bank of Japan said that the economy will not grow as much in 2005-2006 as the 1.5% estimate that they had forecast in October. 01/14/05 Japan's core machinery orders were up nearly 20% in November, much more than expected. 01/12/05 Japan's current account surplus shrank for the first time in 17 months in November from the same month a year earlier 01/05/05 The chairman of Toyota Motor said that Japan's economy will improve in the second half of 2005, helped by a pickup in China and the U.S. 01/04/05 An official in Japan's Ag Ministry said that the recent finding of a BSE-infected cow in Canada will not hamper efforts to resume beef trade with Canada. 12/28/04 Japan's unemployment rate dropped from 4.7% to 4.5% in November, the lowest in six years. YoY consumer prices were up 0.8% in November . Industrial production was up 1.5% in November, the first gain in three months. 12/23/04 Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Friday that deflation in Japan is not yet over and that the government and Bank of Japan will continue working together to fight it. 12/22/04 Exports in Japan were up 1% in November, imports were down 1.9%. YoY, exports were up 13%. 12/20/04 Japan drafts austere budget fearing slow economic recovery 12/17/04 The Bank of Japan said that the economy continues to recover, but noted weakness in production and business sentiment. 12/15/04 Japan's Tankan survey, the latest quarterly index of manufacturing sentiment dropped from 26 to 22. 12/10/04 An index of consumer confidence in Japan increased from 47.7 to 48.0 in November.