">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Negative data hits recovery hopes for Japan
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Search
Search:
Negative data hits recovery hopes for Japan
AFP - Thursday, June 11
TOKYO (AFP) - - Hopes for recovery in the Japanese economy have been dented by data which showed wholesale price falls at their sharpest in over 22 years, signalling a return to deflation, while machine orders also dived.
ADVERTISEMENT
Core machinery orders -- a key gauge of business activity -- fell 5.4 percent month-on-month in April, far worse than the average forecast of a 0.8 percent increase.
The fall suggested it is "still too early for recovery in the quarter" to June, said Macquarie Research economist Richard Jerram, adding that overseas demand for Japan's exports needed to pick up first.
Naoki Murakami, chief economist at Monex, Inc., agreed that despite market hopes for a rebound, "the Japanese economic recovery still needs time."
Japanese wholesale prices, meanwhile, dived 5.4 percent in May from a year earlier -- the biggest drop since March 1987 when prices also tumbled 5.4 percent -- and worse than a market forecast of a 5.1 percent fall.
It was the fifth straight month of year-on-year declines and steeper than a revised 4.0 percent drop in April.
The data raised fears Japan will fall back into deflation, a decline in prices that hurts companies and leads consumers to delay spending in hopes of further price drops, dampening economic activity.
The country was stuck in a deflationary spiral for years after its asset price bubble burst in the early 1990s, leaving it mired in a long recession and prompting the central bank to slash interest rates to almost zero.
But Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa said key economic indicators -- such as industrial output and gross domestic product -- would likely improve in the second quarter.
The central bank at its May policy-setting meeting upgraded its overall economic assessment for the first time in nearly three years, saying that Japan's "exports and production are beginning to level out."
Credit Suisse also said in a client note that it expects "orders in the manufacturing sector to gradually recover towards summer".
"The sentiment in the global manufacturing sector is recovering at a fast pace to the level of last autumn," it said.
However, the central bank chief, speaking to a parliamentary panel, added that the effects of the sharp economic downturn would likely start to affect consumption and capital expenditure.
The world's number two economy has been hit hard by the global downturn that has cut deep into its auto, electronics and other exports, driving up unemployment at home and depressing prices.
Prices have been pushed down in part because global energy costs have fallen from their highs of a year ago, a central bank official said.
Crude hit a record near 147 dollars a barrel in July last year but plummeted as the global crisis set in, falling back to around 30 dollars earlier this year. Prices have begun to recover but only broke back above the 70 dollar barrier again on Tuesday.
But a Bank of Japan official noted corporate goods prices also fell month-on-month, by 0.4 percent, the ninth straight month of such declines, indicating Japan's worst post-war recession was also driving down prices.
The official said that even though commodity prices have been recovering, "the domestic economy is so weak that companies can't raise their prices."
"We cannot say whether the Japanese economy as a whole has entered a new bout of deflation," the official told AFP. "As far as corporate goods prices are concerned, however, they are falling very rapidly."
-- Dow Jones Newswires contributed to this report --
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: China's Economy
China bans imports of some Renault modelsAP - 1 hour 45 minutes ago
SCENARIOS-The BRIC nations: Growth and risksReuters - 1 hour 52 minutes ago
TOPWRAP 5-China, UK accentuate the positive; Sweden shows risksReuters - 2 hours 22 minutes ago
Negative data hits recovery hopes for JapanAFP - Thursday, June 11
Related Articles: Business
RPT-Nikkei powers to 8-mth closing high near 10,000Reuters - Wednesday, June 10
JGBs slip as Nikkei hits 8-mth high, US auction eyedReuters - Wednesday, June 10
Fiat closes deal to take Chrysler's good assetsAP - 2 hours 3 minutes ago
Oil tops $71 after large drop in U.S. crude stocksReuters - Thursday, June 11
India finmin urges banks to lower borrowing costsReuters - Thursday, June 11
Enlarge Photo
Negative data hits recovery hopes for Japan
Related Photos
Slideshow Full Photo Coverage: Business & Economy
Related Full Coverage
China Economy
china economy
All Full Coverage
Most Popular – Business
Viewed
German retail giant goes bust, 43,000 jobs at risk
Carradine may have died from sex act: Thai police
President Obama's French food tested by 'taster'
Susan Boyle out of London clinic: brother
10 banks cleared to repay US Treasury 68 bln dlrs
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Wednesday, 10 June 2009 Iraqi accused in 5 US soldier deaths freed
Picasso drawings stolen from Paris museum
T-Mobile USA probes claim its network was hacked
Iranian cleric slams Ahmadinejad "fabrications"
World getting 'very close' to swine flu pandemic: WHO
Militants attack Pakistani hotel, 5 dead, 25 injured
| International
|
Microsoft's Bing makes early gains: study
Iraq prisoner release brings hope for British hostages
10 banks cleared to repay US Treasury 68 bln dlrs
Crisis-hit Croatia steps up tourist promotion
German retail giant goes bust, 43,000 jobs at risk
California schoolbooks going digital
WHO on verge of declaring H1N1 flu pandemic
| International
|
Global chip foundry sales to rise: iSuppli
China Internet software rule's 'impact unclear'
Russia drops unilateral WTO bid for ex-Soviet pact
| International
|
Iranian cleric slams Ahmadinejad fabrications
| International
|
US climate envoy in China on emissions cuts
At 85, George H.W. Bush plans another skydive
Bomb at luxury hotel in Pakistan kills at least 5
Army closing some special care units
New US forces in Afghanistan to be 'game changer'
Pollution experts: Save fish from drugs in water
Five killed and 25 hurt in Pakistani blast
Police: 2 teens killed to escape NY halfway house
Pakistani officials: Huge bomb at Peshawar hotel
Length of China quarantine uncertain for La. mayor
Seven dead, 34 injured in NW Pakistan hotel blast: officials
Guantanamo al Qaeda suspect in New York for trial
AP NewsAlert
Pentagon: Next 18 months key to Afghan victory
Microsoft reports record number of security flaws
| Technology
|
Bomb at Pakistani hotel, casualties reported
Excerpts of cockpit, radio flight communications
New Google tool targets Microsoft business users
| Technology
|
Maldives sets up zones to protect whale sharks
US eyes South Pacific to resettle Uighur detainees
U.N. powers close to deal on N.Korea sanctions
Defendants in German attacks plot trial say will confess
Microsoft's Bing makes early gains: study
| Technology
|
Indian air force plane missing with 12 on board
Google CEO says looking to buy smaller firms
| Technology
|
IBM aims to bolster partnerships amid weak economy
| Technology
|
T-Mobile USA probes claim its network was hacked
| Technology
|
Honda revved into US bike market 50 years ago
SKorea's Hyundai completes world's biggest oil platform
IMF hails China move to purchase bonds
GM launches clean fuel Spark compact car in India
China's auto sales soar 34% in May
Hollywood revving up DeLorean biopic
Idol runner-up Adam Lambert: I'm gay
| Entertainment
|
Britney Spears announces first tour in Australia
| Entertainment
|
'Perfect Storm' skipper fined for illegal fishing
Natalie Cole to resume singing tour after surgery
| Entertainment
|
Webby winners take awards with 5-word speeches
Marva Wright hospitalized after stroke
Alan Jackson celebrates 20 years with free show
Gypsy film festival kicks off in Salzburg
Taiwan president suggests using simplified Chinese characters
Britain's Blair launches global faith education project
Tiny Estonia tunes up for giant national-pride choir
Ex-Cirque du Soleil genius offers peek at new Macau special
Suriname acquits singer in Toni Braxton case
Bodies from Air France disaster being found
A look at Iran's presidential candidates
Russia says expecting new North Korea missile test
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
US Supreme Court clears way for Chrysler-Fiat deal
Tough-talking Medvedev visits turbulent region
Israeli Christians: Oil-streaked icon 'miracle'
Militants attack Pakistani hotel; 5 dead, 70 hurt
| International
|
Justice wants publisher information on Google deal: report
Past Iran president warns top leader before vote
Top judge in Russia's volatile Ingushetia shot dead
| International
|
IT staff snooping on colleagues on rise: survey
Iranian cleric slams Ahmadinejad "fabrications"
Air France to replace speed sensors now: union
| International
|
US parents rearing a gadget generation: NPD Group
WHO on verge of declaring H1N1 flu pandemic
| International
|
Microsoft, Adobe warn of critical security flaws
U.S. envoy assures Israel of strong alliance
U.S. envoy assures Israel of strong alliance
| International
|
Google Apps synch to Microsoft Outlook email
Venezuelan slang key to bawdy Chavez's success
| International
|
Google CEO says looking to buy smaller firms
Arms dealers revel in Somali war business
| International
|
Russia drops unilateral WTO bid for ex-Soviet pact
| International
|
New Google tool targets Microsoft business users
Most Americans phone while driving despite dangers
Bing luring Internet searchers: comScore
US parents rearing a gadget generation: NPD Group
Aussie PM targeted over shaky slang
IT staff snooping on colleagues on rise: survey
| Technology
|
Palau agrees to take Uighur Guantanamo detainees
Crews search for missing helicopter in New Mexico
IT firms urge China to reconsider filter
| Technology
|
China, Taiwan to build undersea cable
Texas governor breaks collarbone in bike accident
Web 2.0 crowned one millionth English word
| Technology
|
Redford honors consumer advocate Joan Claybrook
China confirms 12 more cases of swine flu
Australian PM warns against vigilante response
Chevron pumping station in Nigeria on fire: rebels
Justice wants publisher information on Google deal: report
| Technology
|
15 dead in Pakistan hotel blast, Taliban blamed
N.Korea blames S.Korea leader for activist suicide
Suspect: Recruiting center shootings justified
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
China state TV to revamp staid news broadcast
China plans new terracotta warrior dig
US plane with bathroom fire diverts to Halifax
Administration to issue new Wall Street pay curbs
Suspect may have contacted other pregnant women
Hollywood actors approve new contract
Actors union members approve studio contract
Natalie Cole to resume singing tour after surgery
China: consumer prices fourth straight month drop
China eyes 20 pct renewable energy by 2020: report
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Philippine exports plunge 35.2 pct in April: govt
Idol runner-up Adam Lambert says he's gay
| Entertainment
|
"Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert says he's gay
S.Korea planning bi-monthly treasury buyback-source
Film aims to expose dangers in U.S. food industry
| Entertainment
|
Hollywood actors approve new contract
China's consumer prices fall for 4th month
Two Tony-nominated Broadway shows to close
| Entertainment
|
Hollywood actors approve new labor contract
| Entertainment
|
Bee Gees singer lends voice to copyright fight
Japan wholesale prices drop, machinery orders down
Stars urged to deliver uplifting entertainment
| Entertainment
|
Blagojevich to mock himself in improv comedy show
Korea Hot Stocks
Futurama has new future on Comedy Central
| Entertainment
|
Bollywood takes pitch to casino enclave Macau
Actors union members approve studio contract offer
S.Korea govt bonds rebound before data, rate vote
"Futurama" has new future on Comedy Central
Seoul shares open higher led by technology issues
NZ terms of trade fall sharply in Q1
Tyson marries in Vegas 2 weeks after child's death
Stars urged to deliver uplifting entertainment
Kadhafi to pitch tent in Rome on landmark visit
Israeli woman mistakenly junks $1 million mattress
Monitor leader TPV aims low with cheap "nettop" PCs
Car bomb rips through south Iraq market, 33 killed
| International
|
Ramsay eats humble pie after mum scolds him
Iraq market bombing kills 19: hospital
Japan prepares robots to take over the kitchen
Army repels Taliban in NW Pakistan after hotel blast
| International
|
Car bomb kills 33 at southern Iraq market
IT firms urge China to reconsider filter
Iraq market bombing kills 19
Web 2.0 crowned one millionth English word
For some Tehran youth, vote is a chance to party
North Korea faces new sanctions, may test missile
| International
|
Barak urges PM to accept Palestinian state principle
French submarine begins black box crash search
| International
|
U.S. troop build-up in Afghanistan on track: NATO
| International
|
Taliban chief, 16 militants killed: US military
Gaddafi in first visit to ex-colonial power Italy
| International
|
Abuse victims march in Dublin to demand justice
| International
|
Report: Climate change adding to migration
Russia military says needs 1,500 warheads: report
| International
|
Japan unveils new climate change emissions target
Ahmadinejad says election rivals use Hitler tactics
| International
|
Obama envoy says Palestinian statehood only option
| International
|
Not so windy: Research suggests winds dying down
Crews re-enter NC Slim Jim plant; 1 body recovered
Khmer Rouge defendant: Vietnamese prisoners killed
China swine flu toll tops 100
Sibling Rivalry? Sotomayor's brother proud of her
Kyrgyzstan: Uzbeks digging trenches along border
Monitor leader TPV aims low with cheap nettop PCs
| Technology
|
Bailout overseer: Bank repayments sign of progress
Microsoft, Adobe warn of critical security flaws
| Technology
|
Japan targets 8% emissions cut from 1990 levels
Japan prepares robots to take over the kitchen
| Technology
|
20 cat deaths leave Fla. communities worried
Malaysia confirms 2 more cases of swine flu
The Nation's Weather
Microsoft sees some Russian issues resolved soon
| Technology
|
Germany bans Thai ex-leader Thaksin
Russia military chief wants limited nuclear cuts
Taiwan president to run for party chairman
Ex-Ga. Tech student convicted of video terror plot
Update: Fiat Purchases Bulk Of Chrysler Assets, Forms Chrysler Group LLC
Pacific state Palau to take Uighur detainees
Sri Lanka expels Canadian lawmaker
U.S. Still Holding 11,000 Iraqi Prisoners
Not so windy: Research suggests winds dying down
Update: Supreme Court Won't Block Chrysler Bankruptcy, Fiat Sale
Pakistani investigators seek clues in hotel blast
FDA Warns Against Using Certain Hand Sanitizers
Florida Voters Favor Sink Over McCollum In First Gubernatorial Poll
Senate Hearings On Sotomayor Confirmation To Begin July 13
Deeds Easily Wins Virginia's Democratic Primary For Governor
Update: Two Dead Following Explosion, Roof Collapse At ConAgra Building; At Least 20 Workers Injured
Fourth H1N1 Death In California
Shuttle Endeavour (STS-127) Set For Saturday Liftoff
Negative data hits recovery hopes for Japan
S.Korea may tighten banks' capital requirements
Starwood to build Meridien hotel in Vietnam
Kazakhstan cuts key interest rate
China's consumer prices fall for 4th month
Taiwan dollar firms on US rate outlook, exporters
'Slumdog' child star gets new home in Mumbai
Mike Tyson weds in Las Vegas
| Entertainment
|
Acts flock to Edinburgh Fringe despite recession
| Entertainment
|
Springsteen, Phish reel in Bonnaroo crowds
launches research centre in Beijing
Horse racing in Iraq romps past the hard times
Sina.com 1Q profit falls 31 percent on ad slowdown
Pussycat Doll wants to sing Philippine anthem
Tornatore to open Venice film festival
| Entertainment
|
China's Beijing Autos mulling bid for Opel or Saab
Lauryn Hill cancels all European tour dates
Michael Jackson Demands The Children's Choir For His Concert Should Know Sign Language
Not Useful: Certain Hand Sanitizers Found To Contain High Levels Of Disease-Causing Bacteria
Tilda Swinton Wants To Live In A Glass Box
Genius British Tot Scores 160 In IQ Test
British Hacker Cites Autism To Block Extradition To U.S.
British Girl Allergic To 21st Century
Courtney Love Fled Hotel After She Trashed Room With Pink Dye
British Boy Finds Extra Lucky Seven-Leaf Clover
Israeli Defense Force Creates Robot Snake To Use On Battlefield
Robbers Steal $14 Million Picasso Sketchbook From Paris Museum
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights