Japan Economy Expected to Grow for Third Consecutive Quarter

Japan's economy is expected to have expanded for a third consecutive quarter in April-June, driven by solid domestic demand and a decline in imports. A Reuters poll of 15 economists predicted an annualized 2.0% growth rate in the second quarter, following a 1.8% expansion in January-March.

The median forecast indicated a 0.5% growth rate against the previous three months. Private consumption and capital investment remained firm, helped by government measures to ease cost-of-living pressures and progress in securing alternative energy supplies.

However, analysts expressed concern about the prolonged confrontation between the United States and Iran, which remains a source of uncertainty for the economy's future growth.