“Abenomics” helped kick start Japan’s economy, boosting the country’s gross domestic product above expectations. However, Japan exchange traded funds cooled on Thursday.
The WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund (NYSEArca: DXJ) and db X-trackers MSCI Japan Hedged Equity Fund (NYSEArca: DBJP) were both 1.1% lower Thursday.
Japan’s economy expanded at an annual rate of 3.5% in the first quarter of the year, outpacing the 2.7% analyst projections, on greater consumer spending and exports, Bloomberg reports.
The positive data reveals that the reform efforts spearheaded by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are working.
“‘Abenomics’ first report card did not disappoint,” Izumi Devalier, an economist at HSBC, said in a CNNMoney article. “The Japanese economy is beginning to fire on all cylinders.”
“This is undoubtedly very strong growth, and very positive for Japan’s economy,” Yoshiki Shinke, senior economist, Dai-Ichi Life Research Institute, said in a Reuters article. “It’s no longer just about brightening sentiment and rises in equities prices. There’s now proof that Abenomics is working and that the economy is on a solid footing.”
Looking ahead, Abe plans to unveil structural reforms in his so-called third arrow from his quiver of tricks after the first two arrows in the form of monetary and fiscal policies. [Japan ETF Rally Still Alive as Yen Weakens]
“The key from here is whether Abe can unveil a strong growth strategy,” Naoki Iizuka, an economist at Citigroup Inc., said in the Bloomberg article. “If he succeeds, that will boost business investment to support growth.”