Japan Gets a Boost From Exports
Mired in deflation and stagnant for decades, Japan has been the economic basket case of the developed world. But the world's third-largest economy is getting an unexpected lift from roaring growth in emerging markets.
japan
TV Sales Grow Globally, But Not in North America
Americans are buying fewer televisions, according to a new report from DisplaySearch. Overall, North American TV shipments fell 3% in the second quarter, even as worldwide shipments grew 26%.
Bank of Japan Mulls Action on Rising Yen
The Japanese yen on Wednesday eased down a bit from the 15-year and nine-year highs it set against the dollar and the euro respectively on Tuesday. But the market is watching for possible intervention from Tokyo to curb the currency's rise, which threatens Japan's recovery.
Now the No. 2 Economy, What's Ahead for China?
A China expert explains that overtaking Japan doesn't alter the underlying economic issues China must resolve, but it does cement changes that have been rapidly making China a far more important player on the global stage.
China Overtakes Japan as World's Second-Largest Economy
Japan's nominal GDP, not adjusted for price and seasonal variations, was $1.268 trillion in the second quarter, while China's was $1.335 trillion.
Boosting Exports Is Key to U.S. Economic Recovery
Investors and policymakers alike are seeking to avoid a painful Japan-like deflationary spiral. Rather than artificially propping up demand, the U.S. should look to Germany, which is banking more on manufacturing to tap into surging global demand.
How Japan Is Creating a Nation of Lost Youths
Beneath the bright lights of Tokyo and the evident wealth generated by decades of hard work and Japan Inc.'s massive global export machine lies a different reality: increasing poverty and decreasing opportunity for the nation's young people. It's a warning to America.
Japan's Cheap Debt Could Cost the World Dearly
Fueled by a high domestic savings rate, Japan piled up debt to epic levels over the last few decades. But as its population ages, the days of cheap debt are coming to an end -- and the global economy will feel the effects.
Toyota to Recall 373,000 Avalons Sold in the U.S.
The Japanese company will recall the 2000-2004 Avalon sedans due to potential problems with the steering lock bar. Three accidents, but no injuries, have been reported so far that could be related to the defect.
When Americans Stop Shopping, the World Suffers
With the U.S. consumer economy in the doldrums, the impact is being felt globally. From China to Germany and Canada to Japan, America's major trading partners are struggling to adapt to a sudden decline in U.S. imports.
Nissan to Almost Double Mileage With Hybrid Infiniti
Nissan aims to nealy double the mileage with a hybrid version of its Infiniti M sedan compared with gasoline engine version, Reuters reported. The car is Nissan's first hybrid developed in-house.
Gary Shilling: A Rough Ride Ahead for the Economy
The U.S. economy has been though the wringer and Gary Shilling, president of A. Gary Shilling & Co., says things are not going to improve any time soon. In a video interview, Shilling warns that we should expect more trouble in the coming months, and provides some advice on how to invest in such a turbulent environment. [With video]
iPhone 4 Shortage? Japanese Stores Selling Out in Hours
Hundreds are lined up outside of Apple stores for the chance to buy the latest iPhone. But some customers may leave empty handed: Just hours after the global launch of Apple's iPhone 4, many stores in Japan are already sold out.
Do U.S. Students' Scores Really Matter?
The popular narrative in the world of higher education is that American students aren't being taught as rigorously as those in other countries, and we're falling behind. But do the scores of high school students on math and science tests really matter for the nation's long-term economic outlook?
Does America's New Economy Favor Women?
Despite its provocative title, The Atlantic magazine's cover story The End of Men focuses less on the gender wars and more on this question: What if postindustrial society is better suited to female workers?
Sony Launches E-Book Joint Venture in Japan
Sony sells plenty of Readers worldwide, but it years ago gave up trying to market them in Japan. Now, just as Apple is about to launch its iPad there, Sony is defending its home turf with a new joint venture designed to solve the problem that stymied its previous e-book attempts: lack of content.
Did Prada Japan Force Staff to Buy Its Merchandise?
According to accounts from several former employees, Prada Japan may have hit upon a creative -- if unethical -- method for boosting its sales: forcing employees to buy its merchandise.
Japanese Anime Puts Crunchyroll on the Fast Path
If you live outside Japan and are familiar with the television series Naruto Shippuden and Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee, then you are, no doubt, also familiar with Crunchyroll, an online video service that provides full length episodes and movies of Japanese anime. The site is quickly signing up viewers all over the English speaking world.
