The Japanese economy came out of recession in the fourth quarter of last year, according to preliminary reports. Although growth in the world’s third largest economy was slower than expected, the data shows that exports helped to push the recovery, accounting for approximately half of the total expansion.
Exports rose 2.7% in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter, while imports were up 1.3%.
However, private consumption, which accounts for about 60% of the economy, increased 0.3% in the fourth quarter, less than the 0.7% rise anticipated by analysts.
