Japan’s Economy Grows at Faster Than Expected Pace in Q4 2020

The world's third largest economy posted a better than expected growth during the last quarter of 2020, supported by a rise in external and

The world's third largest economy posted a better than expected growth during the last quarter of 2020, supported by a rise in external and domestic demand and stronger capital expenditure. According to government data, Japan's economy grew by 12.7% YoY during Q4 2020, lower than the 22.7% growth posted in the previous quarter but beating economists' expectations for a growth by 9.5%. The pace of economic recovery slowed down since Q3 2020 when the economy rebounded after the government lifted restrictions imposed to contain the virus. This had caused a surge in domestic demand and driven the GDP higher after the month of May, following a severe contraction by 4.8% during Q2 2020. The GDP between October and December came in stronger than expected on the back of a rebound in manufacturing worldwide, which boosted the demand for Japan's exports - a major growth driver for the trade reliant economy. External demand contributed a 1% growth in the Q4 GDP, coming in line with economists' forecast. Domestic demand also beat expectations, growing by 2.2% against a forecast for a 1.8% rise, but less than the 5.1% growth seen in the previous quarter. On another positive note, capital expenditure increased for the first time since three quarters, rising by 4.5% and giving a boost to the Japanese economy during Q4 2020.

The world’s third largest economy posted a better than expected growth during the last quarter of 2020, supported by a rise in external and domestic demand and stronger capital expenditure. According to government data, Japan’s economy grew by 12.7% YoY during Q4 2020, lower than the 22.7% growth posted in the previous quarter but beating economists’ expectations for a growth by 9.5%.

The pace of economic recovery slowed down since Q3 2020 when the economy rebounded after the government lifted restrictions imposed to contain the virus. This had caused a surge in domestic demand and driven the GDP higher after the month of May, following a severe contraction by 4.8% during Q2 2020.

The GDP between October and December came in stronger than expected on the back of a rebound in manufacturing worldwide, which boosted the demand for Japan’s exports – a major growth driver for the trade reliant economy. External demand contributed a 1% growth in the Q4 GDP, coming in line with economists’ forecast.

Domestic demand also beat expectations, growing by 2.2% against a forecast for a 1.8% rise, but less than the 5.1% growth seen in the previous quarter. On another positive note, capital expenditure increased for the first time since three quarters, rising by 4.5% and giving a boost to the Japanese economy during Q4 2020.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Arslan Butt
Index & Commodity Analyst
Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics.His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker.His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.

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