Japanese Companies Show Strong Capital Expenditure and Profits in Third Quarter
In recent data released on Friday, Japanese companies displayed a significant increase in capital expenditure and solid profits in the third quarter. This trend suggests that strong investment may offset weak consumption and help prevent the risk of a recession in the future.
The positive numbers from the third quarter could potentially lead to an upward revision in the preliminary gross domestic product (GDP) data. This data previously indicated that the world’s third-largest economy experienced a contraction for the first time in three quarters during the July-September period.
According to government data, firms in Japan raised their spending on plant and equipment by 3.4% in the third quarter compared to the same period a year earlier. This followed a 4.5% gain in the previous quarter, indicating a consistent upward trend.
Additionally, recurring profits for companies increased by 20.1% in the third quarter compared to the previous year. This increase was driven by a remarkable 40% jump in non-manufacturers’ profits, which offset a 0.9% decline in profits for manufacturers.
The capital expenditure figure will play a crucial role in calculating the revised third-quarter GDP data, which is expected to be released on December 8th. The preliminary GDP data had shown a 0.6% decrease in capital expenditure, contributing to an annualized 2.1% contraction in the July-September period.
The future outlook for corporate profits is a significant factor in determining when the Bank of Japan might scale back its massive stimulus efforts. The central bank’s plan is based on the assumption that companies will continue to achieve strong earnings, leading to increased wages and greater spending on plant and equipment.
Overall, the latest data points to a positive trend for Japanese companies in terms of capital expenditure and profits. The strong performance in these areas may help mitigate the impact of weak consumption and potentially safeguard the economy from entering into a recession. As the Bank of Japan continues to monitor these developments, the future outlook for corporate profits will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic policies.
