TOKYO, July 1 ― Confidence among major Japanese manufacturers has hit its highest level since 2018, a key business survey showed today, as they bet on a strong post-pandemic recovery despite some setbacks.
A positive figure means more manufacturers see business conditions as favourable than those that consider them unfavourable. It is considered to be the broadest indicator of how Japan Inc. is faring. For medium-sized firms, confidence was up to plus five from minus two, while sentiment for small companies rose to minus seven from minus 13.
“We think GDP will be back at pre-virus levels by the end of this year, and back at its pre-virus path before the end of 2022.” “So if this is reflected in GDP numbers, the outlook for 3Q is probably not much better than it will be for 2Q,” he added.
Meanwhile in Malaysia..business owners are depressed...closing down their business for good