Japan Growth Stalls as Investment Slumps and Consumer Spending Falters

‼️ 🇯🇵 Japan’s economy slowed unexpectedly in the second quarter as Middle East-related uncertainty weighed on business investment. Real GDP grew at a 1.1% annualized rate, down from a revised 1.9% in the first quarter and below the 2% consensus forecast. Capital spending fell 1.2% quarter-on-quarter, while private consumption was flat versus expectations for a 0.4% gain. The weak domestic-demand backdrop may add pressure on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as her approval ratings decline.