GDP up 4.9% in annual growth (Japan)

[FarCenter]

The Yomiuri Shimbun

The nation's real gross domestic product increased 1.2 percent in the January-March period, marking a fourth consecutive quarterly expansion and an impressive 4.9 percent annual growth, the Cabinet Office said Thursday.

Salaries for corporate employees rose 1.6 percent in nominal terms, the first quarterly increase since the January-March period of 2008.

The latest seasonally adjusted period of growth, excluding price fluctuations, can be largely attributed to solid consumer spending and robust corporate investment in factories and other facilities, combined with steady exports to China and other growing markets, according to analysts.

The nation's nominal GDP grew 1.2 percent, which reflects price fluctuations, marking an annualized 4.9 percent increase and an improvement for the second consecutive quarter, according to a Cabinet Office preliminary report.

(SNIP) http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T100520005005.htm

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It helps to be able to make stuff that China wants to buy.