Japan: Consumer confidence rises tentatively in May
The consumer confidence index rose to 24.0 in May from the 21.6 reading in April, which was the lowest reading since the index began in April 2004 and due to the negative economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The index measures consumer expectations about the economy for the next six months—a reading above the 50.0-threshold suggests consumers are optimistic, whereas a reading below the threshold points to pessimism.
Consumers were more positive about all aspects of their economic lives in May, with perceptions of income growth, employment, willingness to buy durable goods and overall livelihoods all improving. Separately, the percentage of consumers who expected prices to increase one year in the future rose to 72.3% in May from 70.7% in April.