Japan Reports Its Economy Grew in July

Japan’s economic activity grew in July, defying forecasts that it had run out of steam after a stronger-than-expected second quarter, the government said.

The all-industries index, widely regarded as an indicator of gross domestic product, rose by 0.2% in July from the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis, building on a 0.2% gain in the three months to June.

The July figures showed Japan’s economy had yet to stall after clawing out of its longest postwar recession during the second quarter.