JAPAN: Japanese exports showed strong growth in...

JAPAN: Japanese exports showed strong growth in January, but were unable to overcome seasonal factors, leaving the nation’s current account in the unusual position of being in the red. Japan’s current account balance--the broadest measure of its trade in goods and services--showed a $33-million deficit in January, compared to a $559-million shortfall in the month a year earlier, the Finance Ministry said. January is about the only month in which Japan’s accounts with the rest of the world are in the red. Separately, Japan’s unemployment rate fell to a 10-month low of 2% in January, reflecting steady economic growth and a tight labor market, according to government figures released Friday.