TOKYO -- After posting a faster-than-expected growth in the April-June quarter, the Japanese economy will continue to sail through July-September, private-sector economists predict, but an October consumption tax hike looks likely to snap the four-consecutive quarters of expansion.
The economy grew a seasonally adjusted 0.4% in the second quarter, according to preliminary reports released by the Cabinet Office on Friday. The figure translates to annualized 1.8% growth.
