Index gains, but Japan economy still 'worsening'

Sep 08, 2020 | News On Japan

Sep 08, 2020 (NHK) - A key gauge of business conditions in Japan rose slightly in July, but the uptick was not enough to change the assessment of the economy as "worsening".

The Cabinet Office says the Coincident Index rose 1.8 points from June, climbing for the second month in a row. Officials attribute the rise to improving economic activities that were hampered due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The production and shipment of vehicles and auto parts picked up. And exports to the United States increased.

However sluggish retail sales and a worsening job market weighed on gains for the index.

The view that the economy is "worsening" has continued for 12 months.

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