Japan Economy Watchers Sentiment Worsens in Feb.

Tokyo, March 10 (Jiji Press)--Sentiment among so-called economy watchers in Japan, or people in economy-sensitive jobs, worsened in February amid price hikes, the Cabinet Office said Monday.

The seasonally adjusted index on economy watchers' sentiment about current economic conditions fell 3.0 points from the previous month to 45.6.
 

Based on the results of the survey, the government agency said that the economy has continued to moderately recover while some weaknesses can be seen recently, downgrading its view for the first time since April 2024. Last month, there was no reference to such weaknesses.
 

In the February survey, respondents expressed concern about the impact of higher prices.
 

A transportation service operator in the Kyushu southwestern region reported a decrease in the volume of goods reflecting a tendency to refrain from buying due to soaring prices.
 

Meanwhile, a supermarket store worker in the Tokai central region said that lower temperatures during the reporting month put people off going outside.
 

The index for economy watchers' outlook for the economy two to three months ahead fell 1.4 points to 46.6.
 

Looking ahead, respondents were also concerned about higher prices. A cram school staff member in the southern Kanto region, which includes Tokyo, said that many parents are saying they have less money to spend on their children's education.
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