Japan just released a raft of economic data. The detail was mixed with ongoing strength in labour market indicators and a stronger-than-expected lift in industrial output offset by inflation and retail sales data which disappointed to the downside. In March, the unemployment rate held steady at 2.5%, in line with market expectations. The jobs-to-applicant ratio — measuring jobs available to those seeking work — rose to 1.59 from 1.58 in February, a result that was again in line with economist forecasts. Industrial output growth also impressed in March, lifting by 1.2% following a 2% gain in February, well ahead of ... (full story)