Lisa Gray Lisa Gray has been a wealth writer since 2001. She has been involved in the wealth management industry since 1988. She is the author of two bestselling books—The New Family Office and Generational Wealth Management.
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Japan Posts Trade Surplus But There Is Doubt It Will Be Sustainable |
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Wednesday, July 25, 2012 04:09
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Tags: oil | trade | world economy
Japan’s trade deficit has disappeared. A recent report actually posted a trade surplus because lower oil prices reduced imports. Whether the surplus is sustainable is in question since lower oil prices also indicate weaker demand for oil while boosting Japan’s currency. This Website Is For Financial Professionals Only
The report is notable because it reversed a 2.9 trillion yen deficit reported for the month of June. Japan’s largest trading partner is China. Japan’s government is more pessimistic about China’s growth prospects. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its global growth forecasts based on Europe’s continued debt problems and China’s slower growth.
Meanwhile, Japan’s government may extend its 10 trillion yen lending program beyond its expiration date to help small businesses take advantage of the strength in the country’s currency for foreign mergers and acquisitions. The program has so far financed $8.9 billion worth of projects, about 15 in all.
Meanwhile, China just agreed to acquire Canadian oil company Nexen, Inc. The move will add to China’s energy reserves while it considers the possibilities of shale gas exploration.
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