Japan’s economy grew at a steady pace in the fourth quarter, although the rate of expansion signaled strong headwinds for a nation struggling with deflation and weak domestic demand. Gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 0.2% in the October-December period and 1% annually, the Cabinet Office said in a preliminary estimate on Monday. That follows a 0.3% expansion in the third quarter that disappointed preliminary estimates that showed stronger growth. Economists in a median estimate forecast GDP to expand 0.3% on the quarter and 1.1% annually. With the gain, the Japanese economy has now expanded for four consecutive ... (full story)