(ANSA) - Rome, February 16 - Japan's economy moved out of
recession in the fourth quarter of 2014, growing by an
annualised 2.2% in the three months to December in a preliminary
reading, compared to forecasts for a 3.7% increase.
The economy contracted in the two previous quarters.
Japan has been recovering from a sales tax hike, which
dampened spending.
The economy grew 0.6% in the period from the previous
quarter, but that also fell below forecasts of 0.9% growth.
Japan economy moves out of recession
2.2% growth against 3.7% forecasts