East Asia Econ

East Asia Today

The BOJ didn't say much new today, but the authorities overall did make more of an attempt to put a lid on recent market volatility. In Korea, both consumer confidence and house price expectations remain strong. Taiwan retail sales slowed into end 2025, but IP took another step up.

Paul Cavey

Jan 23, 2026 • 3 min read

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Japan – Takaichi stresses fiscal responsibility

At its meeting today, the BOJ was again more positive on the outlook, but only incrementally. However, the authorities overall have been trying to put a lid on market volatility, perhaps via intervention, but also an interview by Takaichi. Data, meanwhile, show the economy still has good momentum.

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East Asia Today

Exports and the BOJ's senior loan officer survey in Japan; lending standards and Q4 GDP in Korea; and Taiwan's labour market data for December.

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Korea – economy weak but housing firm

Today's Q4 GDP data show the economy contracted again late last year, and grew just 1% in 2025 as a whole. That partly reflects weak construction, but facilities capex is also weak. And yet, this week's Loan Officer Survey warns of no lasting slowdown in housing.