Japanese Economy Slows Unexpectedly

Japanese exports slowed considerably and consumers in Japan reigned in spending.   Reduced exports and personal consumption caused GDP figures to shrink (seasonally adjusted) to 0.4% instead of the revised 4.4% in the first quarter and 2.3 in the last quarter.  This is most likely due to the strength in the Japanese Yen vs. the U.S. Dollar.  The chart below shows how the US Dollar has decreased in strength vs the Yen.  

The opposite effect seems to be hitting Germany the weaker euro has significantly increased exports for them.   [ read more.. ]