TOKYO: Japanese household spending jumped again amid data distortions, posting another month of double-digit increases compared with 2020’s dismal results even as consumers weathered renewed virus restrictions.

       Spending increased 11.6% in May compared with a year ago, when outlays plunged during Japan’s quasi-lockdown, the ministry of internal affairs reported yesterday. Economists had forecast an 11% rebound.

       Compared with April, outlays fell 2.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis as another virus emergency wore on.

       A separate report showed wages gaining for a fourth month compared with 2020s levels.The data from May is more a reflection of last year’s weakness than it is a sign of robust spending now. — Bloomberg