An indicator of economists' assessment of the current condition of the Japanese economy declined for the fifth successive month in August, defying expectations for an increase, latest data showed Monday.
The Eco-Watchers' current conditions index fell to 51.2 in August from 52.3 in July and 53 in June, the Cabinet Office said. Economists had forecast the index to rise to 53.5.
At the same time, the forward-looking outlook index, which reflects the assessment of future economic situation in the country, dropped to 51.2 in August from 53.6 a month earlier.
With the indexes still staying high relative to trend, experts who participated in the survey concluded that the Japanese economy is picking up slowly.
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