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Japan stocks rise after economy dodges recession Japan stocks rise after economy dodges recession
(about 4 hours later)
Japanese stocks are rising after data showed the country's economy dodged a recession and grew by 1.7% in the first three months of the year. Japanese stocks have risen after data showed the country's economy dodged a recession and grew at an annual pace of 1.7% in the first quarter of the year.
The better-than-expected growth rate came after higher government spending helped offset weakness in business investment and exports.The better-than-expected growth rate came after higher government spending helped offset weakness in business investment and exports.
Capital expenditure fell by 1.4% during the quarter, showing that businesses remain reluctant to spend.Capital expenditure fell by 1.4% during the quarter, showing that businesses remain reluctant to spend.
After opening lower, both the Nikkei 225 and broader Topix are up about 1%. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 closed slightly higher at 16,664.91.
The broader Topix index ended up 0.3% at 1,339.44.
However, analysts are concerned about the outlook for consumer spending, which accounts for about 60% of GDP.However, analysts are concerned about the outlook for consumer spending, which accounts for about 60% of GDP.
That may take a hit if Prime Minister Shinzo Abe moves to increase the country's sales tax to 10% from the current 8%. That could take a hit if Prime Minister Shinzo Abe moves to increase the country's sales tax to 10% from the current 8%.
Japan's Nikkei newspaper reported this week that Mr Abe plans to postpone the move and will announce his decision after the G7 meeting later this month.Japan's Nikkei newspaper reported this week that Mr Abe plans to postpone the move and will announce his decision after the G7 meeting later this month.
Rest of AsiaRest of Asia
Other stock markets in Asia are trading in negative territory ahead of the release of the US central bank's meeting minutes later on Wednesday. Other stock markets in Asia were lower ahead of the release of the US central bank's meeting minutes later on Wednesday.
Investors are looking for guidance on what and when the Federal Reserve's next move is going to be.Investors are looking for guidance on what and when the Federal Reserve's next move is going to be.
Many investors are now predicting the Fed may raise interest rates at its June meeting following positive economic data released last week. Many investors are now predicting the Fed may raise interest rates at its June meeting following a recent run of positive economic data.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng has opened 1.3% in the red and the Shanghai Composite is 0.3% lower. By mid-afternoon trade, Hong Kong's Hang Seng and the Shanghai Composite were both about 1.5% lower.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 is down 0.4% and New Zealand stocks have lost 0.2%. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index lost 0.7% to finish at 5,359, while South Korea's benchmark Kospi index fell 0.6% to close at 1,956.73.
South Korea's benchmark Kospi is falling 1.1%.