JAPAN DATA: Combined sales at department stores in December, to be
released at 1430 JST (0530 GMT) today by the Japan Department Stores
Association, appear to have posted a slight drop on year, little changed
from a 0.5% fall y/y in November, as solid winter clothing sales were
offset by sluggish corporate spending on gifts, according to a Market
News International survey. Sales in October rose 0.6% on year, which was
the first gain in 32 months.