I will first explain recent economic and financial developments. Japan's economy has recovered moderately. Exports and industrial production have been more or less flat, supported by a waning of the effects of supply-side constraints. Corporate profits have been at high levels on the whole, and business sentiment has improved moderately. In this situation, business fixed investment has increased moderately. The employment and income situation has improved moderately. Private consumption has increased steadily at a moderate pace, despite being affected by price rises. With regard to the outlook, Japan's economy is ... (full story)