A key gauge of the current state of the economy stayed above the boom-or-bust threshold of 50 percent in January for the sixth straight month, spurred by all-time high indexes of production, industrial production shipment and electricity consumption by large-lot users, the government said Wednesday.
The index of coincident economic indicators came to 100.0 percent, the Cabinet Office said in a preliminary report. It marks the longest period for the index to remain above the 50 percent line since it did so for the 16 months from May 2003 to August 2004.
A reading above 50 percent is considered a sign of economic expansion. A figure below the line is seen as a sign of contraction.
The government maintained its assessment of the economic situation for the eighth month, saying the index "shows improvements in Japan's economy."
Of the 11 indicators used to calculate the coincident index, all nine that were available for the preliminary report showed positive readings.
The index of leading indicators, predicting economic developments about six months down the road, stood at 85.0 percent.