A batch of mixed economic data was released from Japan today. Industrial production rose 1.3% mom in July, well above expectation of 0.3% mom. Growth was supported by increased production of cars and chemicals, which offset decline in oil products. The somewhat solid rebound in production offered a hopeful sign that manufacturers are weathering global slowdown and escalation of US-China trade war so far.
On the other hand, retail sales dropped -2.0% yoy in July, much worse than expectation of -0.6% yoy. The contraction raised concerns that momentum of domestic demand was much weaker than originally expected. In particular, consumption could be further strained by the planned sale tax hike later in the year.
Also released, unemployment rate dropped to 2.2% in July, beat expectation of 2.3%. Housing starts dropped -4.1% yoy, versus expectation of -5.4% yoy. Tokyo CPI slowed to 0.7% yoy in August, down from 0.9% yoy, missed expectation of 0.8% yoy.
