TOKYO—Japan’s business mood improved for a fifth straight quarter in September with manufacturers perking up on robust global demand, a central bank survey showed on Friday, boding well for the next administration’s bid to pull the economy out of the doldrums. Steady progress in vaccinations and hopes of a reopening in economic activity also helped lift non-manufacturers’ mood, the survey showed, underscoring the Bank of Japan’s view an end to state of emergency curbs will prop up consumption. But manufacturers expect business conditions to worsen three months ahead as parts shortages and Asian factory shutdowns disrupt production, the survey showed, underscoring the fragile nature of Japan’s export-reliant recovery. “Automakers’ sentiment worsened, which is negative. But that’s offset by strength in electric machinery and capital expenditure thanks to continued expansion in global IT demand,” said Takumi Tsunoda, senior economist at Shinkin Central Bank Research Institute. “Supply constraints are affecting broader sectors …
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