Japanese data due today, the jobs data at 2330 GMT
And then retail sales due at 2350 GMT
Previews via HSBC:
Japan: Jobless rate (Dec)
- Japan's unemployment rate in November 2017 dipped to its lowest level since November 1993, signalling that the world's third-largest economy is on track to recovery even if the pace is slow.
- The seasonally-adjusted jobs-to-applicants ratio also edged up to 1.56 in November - the highest level in almost 44 years.
- Such tight labour market conditions are likely to continue, with growth supported by firm external demand and industrial production.
Japan: Retail sales (Dec)
- Retail sales in Japan were up a seasonally adjusted 1.9% month on month in November, implying a gradually improving private consumption.
- Although private consumption is recovering, we think that stagnant wage growth is keeping Japanese consumers from more active spending.
- In December, we estimate retail sales contracted marginally, by 0.1% m-o-m sa.
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