TOKYO -- The latest data underscoring Japan's weak economy is likely to prompt stimulus spending, but given budgetary constraints, the government is likely to keep any emergency measures small, focusing on encouraging personal consumption.
Gross domestic product declined for the second straight quarter in the July-September period, according to preliminary figures the Cabinet Office released Monday. In light of the grim news, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to tell his ministers Tuesday to assemble a stimulus package focusing on consumer spending, which just started to recover from April's consumption tax hike.
