Japan Eco Watchers' Current Conditions Index Falls, Outlook Improves

Japan's economy watchers' assessment of the current economic conditions weakened unexpectedly in January, while the outlook improved for the first time in seven months, a key survey revealed.


Eco Watchers' survey results released by the Cabinet Office on Wednesday showed that the current conditions index fell to 44.1 in January from 47 in December. Economists were looking for an increase to 47.4.

The outlook index, that reflects the assessment of future economic situation in Japan, jumped to 47.1 from December's 44.4. Economists had forecast a rise to 45.5.