MNI BRIEF: Japan Sept Sentiment Rises But Outlook Falls

An index that measures sentiment towards the current state of Japan's economy posted a second straight rise in September, prompting the government to upgrade its assessment even as the outlook index fell, according to the Economy Watchers survey released by the Cabinet Office on Tuesday.

The Economy Watchers sentiment index based on current economic conditions rose a seasonally adjusted 2.9 points to 48.4 in September, up from 45.5 in August.

“The economy showed sign of recovering. Looking ahead, there is hope for a recovery, although there is concern over the impact of high prices,” the government said, having previously stated the economy was marking time.

The outlook index for two to three months ahead fell 0.2 points to 49.2 in September from 49.4 in August.

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.

It was conducted by the Cabinet Office between September 25 and September 31 when the number of infections had fallen sharply and targeted roughly 2,000 people, including store managers and taxi drivers.