07.07.202605:02:58UTC+00Japan Coincident Index Hits 6-Year High

Japan's coincident economic index—a key measure of current economic activity derived from indicators such as industrial production, employment, and retail sales—rose to 118.5 in May 2026, up from a final 118.1 in April, according to preliminary data. This marked the highest reading since May 2019, underscoring continued resilience in domestic economic conditions. Private consumption showed signs of strengthening, supported by improving employment and income trends, while exports and imports were largely flat, reflecting cautious business sentiment amid persistent geopolitical uncertainties. Fiscal support remained strong following the approval of a record-high budget for fiscal 2026, the second consecutive year of record spending, despite risks associated with tensions in the Middle East. On the monetary policy front, the Bank of Japan left its short-term policy rate unchanged at 0.75% in April but raised its inflation outlook, citing higher energy costs and sustained underlying price pressures.