Abenomics - a policy that combines aggressive monetary easing and fiscal stimulus - has put Japan’s economy on a path toward rapid recovery. GDP grew at an annualised rate of 3.8% in the second quarter of 2013 as consumer sentiment improved and exports increased. The Tankan Survey conducted by the Bank of Japan (BoJ) made a large leap in the third quarter 2013, rising from an index value of 8 in June to 13 in September, its highest level in five-and–a-half years.
Encouraged by the healthy economic recovery, the government moved ahead with its plan to increase the consumption tax (VAT) rate from 5% to 8% in April 2014. The tax hike, intended to address long-term public debt, is also expected to moderate near-term GDP growth in 2014.
Source : Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management