Just when you thought things could not get any worse for Abe and his experimentation in monetary policy alchemy... it does. Between surging inflation and stagnant wage growth, real wages for the Japanese fell by their most since the collapse of Lehman. Even the break of a 23-month streak of base wage drops was dismissed by the government as "expected to be revised lower." As Goldman warns, downside economic risks remain high, the J-curve is 'delayed', and with tumbling cabinet approval ratings and soaring personal disapproval ratings, Abe has a major problem on his hands...
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Chart: Tom Orlik, Bloomberg ( @TomOrlik )
