Sharp exports slowdown takes shine off Abenomics

TOKYO: Japan's export growth fell well short of expectations in September, a sign that slowing demand in Asia is taking the shine off Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's stimulus policies and clouding the outlook for a budding economic recovery.

Some analysts said a sharp drop in export volume may offset the boost from a weak yen, which tends to give a competitive advantage to Japanese goods sold overseas, and could mean external demand will shave off some third-quarter economic growth.