Japan`s economy to log 2.2% annualized growth in 3rd qtr: think tanks

TOKYO, Oct. 31 Kyodo -
The Japanese economy is expected to show annualized real growth of 2.2 percent
in the July-September period for the second consecutive quarterly expansion due
partly to robust exports, according to eight private think tanks polled by
Kyodo News.
The projected annualized expansion in terms of real gross domestic product
corresponds to growth of 0.5 percent from the previous quarter. The nation's
economy grew an annualized 2.3 percent in the April-June period.
In addition to exports, which are continuing to spearhead growth, stimulus
measures such as tax breaks for fuel-efficient vehicles and the ''eco-point''
subsidy program for energy-efficient electric appliances have boosted private
consumption, the think tanks said.
The Cabinet Office is scheduled to release its preliminary figures for Japan's
GDP in the July-September quarter on Nov. 16.
Some of the think tanks are predicting that domestic demand will likely play a
greater role in economic growth in the third quarter, compared with the
previous quarter, while others are anticipating that capital investment will
also pick up in the July-September period after remaining sluggish in recent
quarters.
But one think tank is doubtful about the sustainability of economic growth
after the July-September period, predicting that private consumption will
weaken in the October-December quarter as the effects of stimulus steps wane.
==Kyodo