MNI DATA IMPACT: Japan April Sentiment Up On Services, Retail

--Japan Apr Econ Watchers Current Index 45.3; Mar 44.8 

--Japan Apr Watchers Current Index Posts 1st Rise in 2 Months 

--Japan Apr Watchers Outlook Index 48.4; Mar 48.6 

--Japan Apr Watchers Outlook Index Posts 3rd Straight Drop 

--Japan Govt leaves View: Weakness seen in recovery

     TOKYO (MNI) - Japan's current sentiment index rose in April, recording the

first rise in two months, thanks to strong items linked to services and retail

sales, a key government survey released Tuesday showed.

     The survey indicates whether respondents with jobs most sensitive to

economic conditions -- taxi and truck drivers, department-store sales staff and

restaurant and shop owners -- think economic conditions have improved or

worsened from the three months prior.

     These are the key points from the latest monthly Economy Watchers Survey,

conducted by the Cabinet Office between April 25 and April 30.

     --The Economy Watchers sentiment index for Japan's current economic climate

rose 0.5 points to 45.3 in April on a seasonally adjusted basis, the first rise

in two months after falling 2.7 points to 44.8 in March. The index remains below

the key level of 50.

     --The Watchers outlook index showed the sentiment outlook two to three

months ahead marked the third straight drop, down 0.2 points to 48.4 on the back

of weaker outlook for services and housing items.

     --The Cabinet Office left its overall economic assessment based on the

Economy Watchers Survey, saying, "weakness is seen in recovery."

     --"Looking ahead, there are concerns over uncertainty over the global

economy," the government said.

--MNI Tokyo Bureau; tel: +81 90-2175-0040; email: hiroshi.inoue@marketnews.com

--MNI London Bureau; tel: +44 203-586-2225; email: les.commons@marketnews.com

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