Japan's consumer confidence decreased unexpectedly in February, though marginally, survey data from the Cabinet Office showed Friday.
The seasonally adjusted consumer sentiment index dropped to 43.1 in February from January's 40-month high 43.2. Meanwhile, economists had expected the index to rise to 43.5.
Among components, the index measuring overall livelihood fell to 41.9 in February from 42.0 in the prior month. Similarly, the sub-index for both income growth and willingness to buy durable goods worsened during the month.
Meanwhile, the component index for employment improved to 46.4 from 46.2 in January.
The survey was conducted among 8,400 households on February 15. The response rate was 66.8 percent.
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April 24, 2026 15:15 ET Economics news flow was relatively light this week even as the conflict in the Middle East continued, raising concerns for policymakers. In the U.S., spending data, initial jobless claims and pending home sales were the highlights. Business confidence in the biggest euro area economy was in focus in Europe. Inflation data from Japan gained attention in Asia.