Japan's economy continues to pick up momentum
TOKYO Japanese business confidence improved for a fifth straight quarter in the three months to December to hit an 11-year high, a central bank survey showed, a sign the economy is gathering momentum from robust exports and booming corporate profits.
But big manufacturers and non-manufacturers expect business conditions to worsen soon, highlighting their reluctance to embrace the improved operating environment via increases in wages and investment.
Nudging cash-rich companies into spending more on wages has been a priority for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to vanquish the deflation that has plagued Japan for nearly two decades.
As part of those efforts, Mr Abe's ruling coalition approved a plan on Thursday to slash the corporate tax rate - but only for companies that increase spending - a move that could brighten business sentiment in coming months.
The closely watched survey, conducted by the central Bank of Japan, showed capacity constraints and staff shortages were increasing price pressures. - REUTERS
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