Japan - Export strength a weakness in downturn

Since 2003, most of the world's stockmarkets have raced higher, fuelled by easy credit and the yen carry trade. In comparison, share prices in Tokyo have climbed at a sloth-like pace, with periods of progress being followed by frustrating periods of stagnation or even reversal. Having not fully participated in the global equity market rally, it might seem unjust that the Japanese market has been punished as harshly as other, higher-flying global markets. But for the glass-half-empty brigade, it's not hard to find reasons to be gloomy about Japan. The economy has slowed and inflationary ...