Japan Consumer Sentiment Improves for 1st Time in 6 Months

May 30, 2018

Tokyo- Consumer sentiment in Japan rose for the first time in six months in May, a Cabinet Office survey showed Wednesday.

The seasonally adjusted consumer confidence index grew 0.2 point from the previous month to 43.8, according to the survey that asks households with two or more members about their outlook on living standards and other economic issues over the next six months.

Consumer sentiment is on a weak note, the Cabinet Office said, keeping its assessment unchanged.

Of the four component indicators, those for overall livelihood, the employment situation and willingness to buy durable goods improved.

The improvement apparently stemmed from firm stock price movements that lasted until recently.

Meanwhile, the indicator for income growth deteriorated, reflecting sluggish disposal income due mainly to higher gasoline prices.

The May survey also showed that 82.1 pct of the respondent households expect prices to be higher a year later, down 0.2 percentage point from the previous month. Jiji Press