Japan: Growth seems stuck in a low gear - BBH

There are several Japanese economic reports in the week ahead as growth edged up a mere 0.1% in Q4 17 and seems stuck in a low gear at the start of this year, points out the analysis team at BBH.  

Key Quotes

“Consumption that rose 0.5% in Q4 appears to have slowed.  Retail sales and overall household spending likely fell in January.  Industrial output is expected to have fallen, as well.  Nevertheless, the employment report is likely to show the labor market remains tight, and it has been augmented by women (who have a higher participation rate than in the US), immigrants (more than one million), and elderly people.”