TOKYO: We know that Japan has been importing less and less for over a year, mainly because of lower energy prices. But December saw the biggest collapse in years, taking the nation to a 36.6 billion yen surplus – its first in almost five years (after the Fukushima nuclear power reactor disaster).
Exports also dropped – by 8 per cent – again one of the lowest readings in years. None of this is exactly bad news, but November sentiment data dipped a little, the leading economic index to 103.5 from 104.2 and the coincident index to 111.9 from 113.3.
Portugal elects a centre-right candidate to fill the ceremonial role of President. Acting as a counterbalance to the left-leading government voted in in October, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said he would focus on restoring balance and consensus in the country which has been grappling with internationally imposed austerity since 2011. Click here for a PDF version also containing support and resistance levels.
