2015 didn't end well for Japan and BOJ too. According to latest estimate released Japan's economy shrank in final quarter of 2015 and more than it was expected. AQs per latest data, Japan's GDP shrank by 0.4% in fourth quarter on quarterly basis, compared to 0.3% gain in September quarter. On yearly basis, economy contracted by -1.4%, which was highest reading since September, 2014, when economy contracted by 2.8% post 2% sales tax hike by government.
Despite, continued monetary stimulus from bank of Japan (BOJ), economy has hardly staged any recovery and remains as fragile as ever. Over than past 9 quarters, economy has faced 5 quarters of contraction, including one recession. With economy contracting, wages remaining stagnant and consumers reducing their purchase as price rises, Bank of Japan (BOJ) finding itself between rock and a hard place.
It is not just the GDP, other economic releases are equally discouraging.
Industrial production dropped -1.7% in January. Tertiary industry index declined by -0.6% and capacity utilization is also dropped by 1%.
Yen on the other hand is down today as Nikkei rose more than 5% in line with global peers. Yen is currently trading at 113.9 per Dollar and Nikkei around 16040.


Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure




