Japan’s Economy Dodges Recession In First Quarter, Sales Tax Decision Eyed

Japan's economy expanded at the fastest pace in a year in the first quarter, thanks in part to a leap year consumption boost, but analysts say the rebound was not strong enough to dispel concerns over a contraction in this quarter.

With private consumption making only a feeble recovery from last quarter's slump, the data keeps alive market expectations that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will delay a scheduled sales tax hike next year, analysts said.