National News Economy grew 4.6% in Oct.-Dec. quarter

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The economy grew an annualized real 4.6 percent in the October-December quarter for the third consecutive quarter of expansion as corporate capital investment revived amid a recovery in exports while consumer spending continued to perk up on stimulus measures, the government said Feb. 15.

The Cabinet Office also said nominal GDP stood at $5.08 trillion in 2010, narrowly surpassing that of China's $4.91 trillion. However, the data suggest the Japanese economy will be surpassed by China's in the near future, possibly this year, it said.

The expansion marked in the three-month period corresponds to a 1.1 percent rise from the July-September quarter, the Cabinet Office said. It compares with a revised 0.01 percent gain in the previous quarter.

"Fears of the nation's economy falling into a double-dip recession have faded a little," Finance Minister Naoto Kan said.

But Kan, also the state minister for economic and fiscal policy, warned against complacency, saying employment and overseas economic conditions are still uncertain.

The October-December figures beat the average market forecasts of an annualized 3.5 percent increase and 0.9 percent quarterly growth. (Kyodo News)

10〜12月期、実質GDP年率4.6％増

内閣府が2月15日に発表した2009年10〜12月期の国内総生産（GDP）は、年率換算で実質4.6％増と、3四半期連続のプラス成長となった。

Shukan ST: February 26, 2010

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