Japan’s economy is likely to continue growing moderately, with overseas economies returning to a growth path, and as a virtuous cycle from income to spending gradually intensifies, supported by factors such as the government’s economic measures and accommodative financial conditions, while the economy is projected to be affected by trade and other policies in each jurisdiction. The year-on-year rate of increase in the consumer price index (CPI. all items less fresh food) is likely to decelerate to a level below 2 percent in the first half of this year, with the waning of the effects of the rise in food prices, such ... (full story)