Japan's economy has continued to recover moderately as a trend, although some weakness particularly on the production side has remained due mainly to the effects of the subsequent decline in demand following the front - loaded increase prior to the consumption tax hike. Overseas economies -- mainly advanced economies -- have been recovering, albeit with a lackluster performance still seen in part. Exports have been more or less flat. Business fixed investment has been on a moderate increasing trend as corporate profits have improved. Public investment has mo re or less leveled off at a high level. Private consumption ... (full story)