Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called on Monday for a new public works spending program to stimulate the economy amid growing concerns about global risks. The spending, which is expected in the first half of next fiscal year starting in April, will focus on strengthening infrastructure to withstand earthquakes and frequent flooding, according to a presentation made at the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (CEFP). Some of Japan's top government advisors also called for stimulus to offset a decline in consumption expected after an increase in the nationwide sales tax in October next year. The rush to approve ... (full story)