Japan: Staff Report for the 2005 Article IV Consultation

Publication Date:

August 8, 2005

Electronic Access:

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Summary:

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that the GDP growth in Japan slowed unexpectedly in the second quarter of 2004, after several quarters of above-trend growth. For the full year, GDP rose by 2.6 percent, well below expectations. A significant part of the shortfall reflected a shift to a chain-weighted methodology—growth on the old methodology was 3.6 percent. Pressure on labor markets from job shedding is slowly abating. Progress in corporate restructuring continues. Cash flow and profits remain buoyant; bankruptcies have fallen to a 10-year low and leverage continues to decline.

Series:

Country Report No. 2005/273

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

August 8, 2005

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451820652/1934-7685

Stock No:

1JPNEA2005002

Pages:

62

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