Exports prop up Japan Q4 GDP growth, US protectionist risks loom

TOKYO: Japan’s economy grew for a fourth straight quarter in the final three months of last year as a weaker yen supported exports, but tepid private consumption and the risks of rising US protectionism cast doubts over a sustainable recovery.

Data yesterday showed the world’s third-largest economy grew an annualised 1% in October-December, roughly in line with the 1.1% increase markets had expected, following a revised 1.4% expansion in July-September.