Japan: Consumer confidence hits highest reading in 12 months in February
Consumer confidence came in at 33.8 in February, up from January’s 29.6. February’s result marked the strongest reading since February 2020. Consequently, the index moved closer to the 50-threshold, but still indicated pessimism among consumers.
The overall improvement reflected a broad-based rise in sentiment. Consumers became less pessimistic regarding overall livelihood, income growth and employment opportunities in the coming six months while willingness to buy durable goods also rose in February compared with the prior month’s survey.