Japan's economy grows faster than expected

Japan's economy grew faster than expected between January and March, boosting hopes that the economy is recovering from last year's recession.

The economy expanded 0.6% in the period compared to the previous quarter, marking its second consecutive quarter of growth.
The result was far better than the 0.4% analysts had expected.
On an annualised basis, the economy grew 2.4% in the period against forecasts of 1.5%.
Analysts said the first quarter growth rate was "very positive".
"The recovery seems to be well on track," Tony Nash, chief economist at Complete Intelligence, told the BBC.
"This must bring a smile to Prime Minister Abe's face and is a vindication that his economic policies are moving things in the right direction."
The country came out of recession in the fourth quarter of last year.

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