Japan has revised its second-quarter growth figures upwards, with business spending holding up despite high fuel prices. The better numbers have raised expectations that the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates on 18th September 2026, a day after the Fed raised its own. That could squeeze household budgets and company profits just as the economy was finding its feet. We speak to Naomi Fink, Chief Global Strategist and Chief Economist at Amova Asset Management, about what this means for Japan in the second half of the year.


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Japan has revised its second-quarter growth figures upwards, with business spending holding up despite high fuel prices. The better numbers have raised expectations that the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates on 18th September 2026, a day after the Fed raised its own. That could squeeze household budgets and company profits just as the economy was finding its feet. We speak to Naomi Fink, Chief Global Strategist and Chief Economist at Amova Asset Management, about what this means for Japan in the second half of the year. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.