JAPAN DATA: The average wages at 34 major Japanese companies will
rise 1.94% on year in fiscal 2012 just began, according to preliminary
results of annual labor-management talks compiled by the business lobby
Keidanren. The increase will be slightly lower than +1.97% shown in
preliminary data for fiscal 2011. The average wages at major
manufactures will 1.96% in the current fiscal year, slowing from +1.99%
in fiscal 2011, while those at major non-manufactures will gain 1.78%,
up from +1.66%.