PRELIMINARY estimates indicate that Japan's GDP increased by
1.4 per cent over the quarter and by 4.7 per cent through the year to the first
quarter of 2004. This was the strongest through-the-year rise in GDP since
1991, and the Japanese economy is now estimated to have expanded for eight
successive quarters.
Source: Economic and Social Research Institute
Housing Finance Commitments
THE number of housing finance commitments for owner
occupation in WA decreased by 1.1 per cent to 6,665 between February and March,
the sixth successive monthly decrease. However, commitments were still 3.4 per
cent higher than in March 2003.
Australia's housing finance commitments for owner occupation
fell by 1.2 per cent to 50,157 over the month, and decreased by 6.4 per cent
through the year, to March 2004.
Source: ABS Cat. 5609.0