JAPAN
- IMF maintains Japan growth outlook for 2013 despite recession
- The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday left its growth estimate for Japan steady at 1.2 percent this year despite renewed recession
- “The recession is expected to be short-lived because the effects of temporary factors, such as the car subsidy and disruptions to trade with China, will subside,” the IMF said “And a sizeable fiscal stimulus package and further monetary easing will give growth at least a near-term boost, with support from a pickup in external demand and a weaker yen,”
- Business Leaders Wary Of Govt’s Heavy Hand In Growth Plans Business leaders want deregulation, not more government intervention
- Japan’s average gasoline price rises for 7th straight week (headline only, no link). Happy, smiley faces in the Cabinet and at the BOJ on this sign of inflation? …. Probably not.
CHINA
- Shippers Tell Different Story on Chinese Exports (WSJ: gated) “Some executives from shipping companies that carry containers full of Chinese-made products mainly to Europe and North America say they see little evidence of a strong rebound in seaborne exports.”
AUSTRALIA
- Iron exports shut down as Cyclone Peta approaches (may be gated) “The Port Hedland port, which is used by BHP Billiton, Fortescue Metals Group, Atlas Iron and BC Iron, was closed yesterday but was due to reopen at 7pm AEDT.”
- Inflation builds interest rate cut case, says Heather Ridout Ridout is a member of the RBA Board, and comes from a background as a manufacturing industry representative
