The End Of A Lost Decade In Asia?

The lost decade in the East could be over, and if it is, msci Asia-Pacific equities will be a big winner

Japan is commonly used as the poster child of Asia’s economic problems. The country has experienced not one, but more than two lost decades as for 25 years what was the region’s largest economy has experienced sluggish growth and low inflation.

However, there are now signs that Japan is starting to pull itself out of the hole. The June Tankan survey of large manufacturers showing the highest confidence in over three years. A similar Reuters survey across the manufacturing sector showed the highest level of confidence in a decade. Meanwhile, the jobs-to-applicants ratio is close to 1.5, the highest level...