Japan Q1 GDP Growth Revised Down to 1.8 Percent
Revised data shows Japan's economy grew at an annualized rate of 1.8 percent in the first quarter as business investment contracted more than initially estimated. The cooling momentum comes as the government prepares a 19 billion dollar budget to offset rising energy costs linked to Middle East tensions.
Japan's economy expanded an annualized 1.8% in the first quarter, revised down from an initial 2.1% estimate due to weak capital expenditure. The figure outperformed the 1.3% growth median forecast but signaled a loss of momentum compared to the previous three months. Persistent energy price volatility and regional instability threaten to erode corporate margins and household purchasing power through the remainder of the year.
### Capex Slump Weighs on Growth Revised Cabinet Office data showed business capital expenditure shrank 0.7% in the first quarter. This marks a sharp reversal from the initial estimate of a 0.3% rise. Private consumption, representing over half of the economy, grew 0.3%, matching preliminary figures.
