"Revised Data Shows Japan Avoids Recession, Economy Grows"

Japan's economy expanded at an annualized rate of 0.4% in the last quarter of 2021, avoiding a recession after the initial estimate of a 0.4% contraction was revised. The growth was attributed to stronger-than-expected spending by companies on plants and equipment. However, private consumption fell, and real wages have been shrinking for 22 consecutive months. The Bank of Japan is expected to hold a policy-setting meeting in March amid market expectations of a potential shift away from negative interest rates.