Japan relapses into recession

Tough times: Containers are unloaded from a cargo vessel as truck make a long queue at Aomi International Container Terminal in Tokyo. Japan’s economy shrank an annualised 0.8 in July-September, more than a median market forecast for a 0.2 contraction. — EPA

TOKYO: Japan’s economy slid back into recession in July-September as uncertainty over the overseas outlook hurt business investment, keeping policymakers under pressure to deploy new stimulus measures to support a fragile recovery.

A rebound in private consumption and exports offered some hope the world’s third-largest economy is emerging from the doldrums, despite slowing Chinese demand and the pain households are feeling from rising imported food prices.