MNI BRIEF: Japan April Sentiment Third Straight Rise

The Japanese Government has left its previous economic assessment in place despite strong sentiment and outlook figures in April, according to the Economy Watchers survey released by the Cabinet Office Thursday.

The sentiment index posted its third straight monthly rise in April to a seasonally adjusted 1.3 points to 54.6 and the outlook index for the next two-three months ahead printed its fifth consecutive increase, up 1.6 points to 55.7, supporting the Bank of Japan's view that private consumption – despite being affected by price rises – has increased moderately. Bank officials continue to monitor whether ongoing price rises will impede consumer spending and acknowledge spending by low-income households fell due to higher living costs.

The survey indicates whether respondents with jobs most sensitive to economic conditions, including taxi and truck drivers, department-store sales staff and restaurant and shop owners, think economic conditions have improved or worsened over the last three months.

The Cabinet Office conducted the survey between April 25-30 and targeted about 2,000 people, including store managers and taxi drivers.