Japan’s Household Spending Falls Again Despite Wage Gains

Japan’s household spending fell for a ninth month despite wages climbing, indicating consumers remain cautious due to persistent inflation.

The data suggests that wage gains are not translating into increased consumer spending, which could slow economic growth.

Japan’s consumer price index rose 2.8% in August from a year earlier, the fastest pace since 1981, as the government tries to achieve its 2% inflation target.