Japan's economy has recovered moderately, although some weakness has been seen in part. Exports have been more or less flat. With corporate profits improving, business fixed investment has been on a moderate increasing trend. The employment and income situation has improved moderately. It is becoming increasingly likely that wages will continue to increase steadily this year, following the firm wage increase last year, reflecting this year's annual spring labor-management wage negotiations. Private consumption has been resilient, although the impact of price rises and developments such as a decline in automobile ... (full story)