Japan: Japan's economy grew an annualized real 2.1% in the January-March period, marking the second straight quarterly expansion, led by a recovery in exports and private consumption, government data showed Tuesday, with the full impact of the Middle East conflict yet to be felt.

According to Qatar News Agency, in the first quarter of 2026, gross domestic product adjusted for inflation increased 0.5% from the October-December period, the Cabinet Office said in its preliminary report, beating market expectations.

In the January-March period, private consumption, which accounts for more than half of the economy, grew 0.3%, rising for the fifth straight quarter, helped by strong demand for clothing and a boost in spending at restaurants, an official said.

Spending was also underpinned by state subsidies for gas and electricity bills and solid wage growth, as rising earnings saw companies move to attract and retain talent, economists said.

In the January-March period, exports rose 1.7% from the October-December quarter on a recovery in auto shipments bound for the US market and strong demand for machinery and electrical devices for industrial purposes.