{"id":22253,"date":"2026-02-16T08:31:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T08:31:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=22253"},"modified":"2026-02-16T08:31:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T08:31:25","slug":"japan-and-switzerland-both-avoid-falling-into-recession-business-live-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=22253","title":{"rendered":"Japan and Switzerland both avoid falling into recession \u2013 business live | Business"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"liveblog-body\"><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><gu-island name=\"KeyEventsCarousel\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" 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view over Switzerland\u2019s Rigi Kulm&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;The view over Switzerland\u2019s Rigi Kulm&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Photograph: Ingolf Pompe 22\/Alamy&quot;}},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Newsflash: Switzerland has also escaped recession, despite the economic damage caused by US tariffs.&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;647948c5-7aee-4c90-8f9a-4a1e79f71a0e&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Swiss GDP expanded by 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025, a new estimate shows. That follows a 0.5% contraction in the third quarter of 2025, when the US trade war hurt its exporters.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;4342cd4a-6954-42c2-8714-7ab8b4c22761&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Switzerland\u2019s State &lt;strong&gt;Secretariat&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;for&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Economic&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Affairs&lt;\/strong&gt; says that \u201cgrowth in the services sector was muted, while the industrial sector stagnated,\u201d in Q4, adding:&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;1ac5985b-e92e-4632-972d-80f0e7aca847&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;According to provisional results, the Swiss economy grew by 1.4% in 2025 overall, following 1.2% the previous year.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;This is well below Switzerland\u2019s average economic growth (1.8% since 1981). The challenging international environment slowed the export?oriented industry.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;By contrast, the services sector grew at an above?average rate by historical standards&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;cb081d3b-1bb9-4d7b-97a5-ea21ac5c10c8&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;President Trump hit Switzerland with 39% tariffs under his trade war, before agreeing to lower them to 15% in November.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;c873ef30-cfd0-4c52-8590-9c92edcfc153&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Trump accused of caving to big business after deal to cut Swiss tariffs to 15%&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;6ed7acdd-ecf6-4939-8e54-4867e0bcb857&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;thumbnail&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2025\/nov\/14\/tariffs-swiss-goods-reduced&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1771229269000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;08.07\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1771229771000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;08.16\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1771229771000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;08.16\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;08.16&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Switzerland returns to growth&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Mon 16 Feb 2026 08.17 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Mon 16 Feb 2026 07.26 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;6992bead8f0807ca30823367&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Competition among UK house sellers is running at an eleven-year high, giving buyers more opportunities and keeping prices pegged this month.&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;4c9e1ad7-9b8d-4273-a55d-bc40e10918d0&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Property portal &lt;strong&gt;Rightmove&lt;\/strong&gt; is reporting this morning that the average asking price for a newly listed homes dipped by just \u00a312 this month, to \u00a3368,019.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;db95df32-b08f-4a63-bf0d-5d1823601377&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;And with more houses on the marker \u2013 after a record number of early-bird new sellers coming to market sinceBoxing Day and in January \u2013 potential buyers have plenty of choice.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;851c86f0-ccfa-4c90-acc7-f76a36840c72&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Rightmove&lt;\/strong&gt; says the high number of homes for sale is continuing to benefit buyers, giving them more choice and more power to negotiate.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;a488cbfa-4a1b-4523-91fa-1727ab09ef5f&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;And with last November\u2019s budget behind us, net confidence among buyers and sellers in January has risen back to its highest level since September 2025, Rightmove reports.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;2383de28-b537-4fb3-9ed9-095065f8aa37&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Should the Bank of England cut interest rates at its next meeting, in March, that could give borrowers another lift, as the peak spring selling season approaches.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;b5a149bf-03e9-422c-a0c7-9b97a5f05a26&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;According to &lt;strong&gt;Rightmove&lt;\/strong&gt;, the average asking price is the same as a year ago, after that \u00a312 shuffle lower.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;ed31ae01-e93d-453b-a287-9b8e9016d30c&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;That\u2019s despite a record asking price increase for the time of year in January, which means prices are up by 2.8% since December&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;b95e9b60-ded1-48d2-b8b5-24c02c69cb6b&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;As the market is \u201cstill very price-sensitive,\u201d sellers need to pitch their properties realistically, says &lt;strong&gt;Colleen Babcock&lt;\/strong&gt;, property expert at &lt;strong&gt;Rightmove&lt;\/strong&gt;:&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;b95a9656-34e1-4a84-b20c-43738955484e&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;\u201cVirtually flat prices in February really needs to be viewed alongside what happened in January.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;After the prolonged uncertainty in the run up to the late November Budget, plus the usual Christmas slowdown, we saw activity pick up again from Boxing Day. Many sellers, some of whom had been holding back because of the Budget, came to market in early 2026 with renewed confidence, which helped to drive that bumper January price rise.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;But the market fundamentals haven\u2019t changed. There are still lots of homes for sale, and buying activity isn\u2019t as strong as this time last year, when many buyers were rushing to move before the stamp duty increase in England. So in February, sellers have taken a more cautious approach by holding onto January\u2019s gains rather than pushing prices higher, at a time when competition is high and the market is still very price-sensitive.\u201d&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;ca6a51cb-9606-470d-aed8-475529223ce7&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement&quot;,&quot;source&quot;:&quot;Twitter&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;2023299924943663308&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;756bcebb-7835-4f9e-a268-93a8dda67d21&quot;,&quot;hasMedia&quot;:false,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/x.com\/emmafildes\/status\/2023299924943663308&quot;,&quot;isThirdPartyTracking&quot;:false,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;twitter-tweet\\&quot;&gt;&lt;p lang=\\&quot;en\\&quot; dir=\\&quot;ltr\\&quot;&gt;After a bullish January, sellers overall think better of asking for more as increased competition stifles growths. Annually prices remained flat but many sellers tiptoed higher in February hoping end of year budget restraints being now removed would release pent up demand.\u2026 &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/t.co\/PQbemcjmJN\\&quot;&gt;pic.twitter.com\/PQbemcjmJN&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\u2014 Emma Fildes (@emmafildes) &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/emmafildes\/status\/2023299924943663308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;February 16, 2026&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/blockquote&gt;\\n\\n&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1771226783000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;07.26\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1771228031000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;07.47\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1771228031000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;07.47\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;07.47&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Competition among UK house sellers at 11-year high&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Mon 16 Feb 2026 08.17 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Mon 16 Feb 2026 07.26 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electronic stock board showing Japan's Nikkei index at a securities firm today&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;An electronic stock board showing Japan's Nikkei index at a securities firm today&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko\/AP&quot;}},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Shares fell in Tokyo as investors digest today\u2019s weaker-than-expected growth report.&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;2e420b97-28e6-4948-b259-56129bf029b0&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The &lt;strong&gt;Nikkei&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;225&lt;\/strong&gt; index dipped by 0.24%, while the broader &lt;strong&gt;Topix&lt;\/strong&gt; shed 0.8%.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;d51a6730-7d62-4338-a529-325006d275c5&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Masahiro&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Ichikawa&lt;\/strong&gt;, chief market strategist at &lt;strong&gt;Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management,&lt;\/strong&gt; said:&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;00bd34fb-da46-4fa4-bfba-d922e2846da2&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;\u201cI figured the GDP figures would be treated as past figures, but seeing the Nikkei average struggling to gain, there may be some slight impact.\u201d&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;ad2a9478-8f39-4538-9768-a70667f9ba1e&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1771226783000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;07.26\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1771227111000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;07.31\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1771227111000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;07.31\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;07.31&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Japan's stock market dips&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Mon 16 Feb 2026 08.17 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Mon 16 Feb 2026 07.26 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;699250458f0893c883d52591&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of business, the financial markets and the world economy.&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;bdd61851-6351-4781-b523-8f35a59d52de&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Japan has escaped falling into recession, just, with a weak return to growth that highlights the need for punchy measures from its new government to spur the economy on.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;0d086a26-da9e-4f32-84fa-cd31ed9c1599&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Japanese GDP expanded by just 0.1% in October-December, fresh data from Japan\u2019s Cabinet Office shows, missing forecasts of 0.4% growth.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;17c13a96-a65b-44ee-a2ce-732877d5da66&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;That follows a contraction of 0.7% in July-September, and means Japan has avoided a technical recession \u2013 two negative quarters of growth in a row.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;888f7cf0-8e4c-4038-a85d-6d4238006e01&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement&quot;,&quot;source&quot;:&quot;Twitter&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;2023281480362008958&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;39029db4-2904-4254-9e17-437cb4024ab7&quot;,&quot;hasMedia&quot;:false,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/x.com\/rymondIncKenya\/status\/2023281480362008958&quot;,&quot;isThirdPartyTracking&quot;:false,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;twitter-tweet\\&quot; data-conversation=\\&quot;none\\&quot;&gt;&lt;p lang=\\&quot;en\\&quot; dir=\\&quot;ltr\\&quot;&gt;Japan\u2019s GDP disappointed: December quarter grew just 0.2% annualized vs. 1.6% expected, following Q3 contraction \u2014 sending the Nikkei lower as growth hopes faded&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/BOJ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;#BOJ&lt;\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Ueda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;#Ueda&lt;\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Japan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;#Japan&lt;\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/inflation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;#inflation&lt;\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/%E9%80%B1%E6%9C%AB%E3%81%AF%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%81%B8%E5%86%92%E9%99%BA%E3%83%89%E3%83%A9%E3%82%AF%E3%82%A8%E3%83%90%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AC%E3%83%BC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;#?????????????????&lt;\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/t.co\/5XJPboHQ4H\\&quot;&gt;pic.twitter.com\/5XJPboHQ4H&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\u2014 Rymond_Inc (@rymondIncKenya) &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/rymondIncKenya\/status\/2023281480362008958?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;February 16, 2026&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Private consumption drove the expansion, while exports and public spending were weak.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;d453009c-5819-41aa-b69c-0723af4f7067&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Shinichiro Kobayashi&lt;\/strong&gt;, chief economist at &lt;strong&gt;Mitsubishi&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;UFJ&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Research&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;and&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Consulting&lt;\/strong&gt;, explained:&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;cdb97b67-2eeb-4253-82d4-48b5e5171542&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;\u201cPersonal consumption showed resilience, but whether this resilience can be sustained will depend on whether price relief measures will make an impact and whether real wages will turn positive.\u201d&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;c6c634e7-a460-4f31-837a-4eba9313156f&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Japan\u2019s economy has been hurt by Donald Trump\u2019s trade war, which increased tariffs on Japanese goods entering the US.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;588992e5-798b-422c-b05d-a02901eb8fa7&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The diplomatic row between Beijing and Tokyo over the security of &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/taiwan\\&quot;&gt;Taiwan&lt;\/a&gt; also weighed on the economy, with Chinese tourism to Japan almost halving.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;94b85a97-d237-49d8-bfe0-b351d1e455a1&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Chinese tourists shun Japan in wake of Taiwan invasion row&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;ea825c1b-938a-448b-9bfc-52d7df220781&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;thumbnail&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/jan\/20\/chinese-japan-tourist-numbers-halve-wake-taiwan-invasion-row&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The data comes just a week after prime minister &lt;strong&gt;Sanae&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Takaichi&lt;\/strong&gt; won a landslide election victory, having promised \u201cresponsible and proactive fiscal policies\u201d.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;57bc4c1e-bcec-4ebe-884a-81591199a939&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Takaichi&lt;\/strong&gt; was due to meet with Bank of Japan governor &lt;strong&gt;Kazuo&lt;\/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Ueda&lt;\/strong&gt;, in their first bilateral meeting since the election.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;33f340e7-9f84-4a32-81cf-57f515e36292&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Last November, &lt;strong&gt;Takaichi&lt;\/strong&gt; unveiled a massive \u00a521.3tn (\u00a3100bn) stimulus package in an effort to spur economic growth and protect households from the rising cost of living. Further measures may be needed\u2026.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;1602f112-9ccc-44a3-8aa9-876ce972689f&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.SubheadingBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;h2&gt;The agenda&lt;\/h2&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;49b1ceb9-a452-485f-91ef-f184eb26919d&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;ul&gt;\\n &lt;li&gt;\\n  &lt;p&gt;10am GMT: Eurozone industrial production data&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/li&gt;\\n &lt;li&gt;\\n  &lt;p&gt;2pm GMT: Eurogroup finance ministers meeting&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/li&gt;\\n&lt;\/ul&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;a4f42e78-e9f7-4951-abe2-cd38d413fcbe&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1771226783000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;07.26\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1771226779000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;07.26\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1771226783000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;07.26\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;07.26&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Introduction: Japan avoids recession with weak return to growth&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Mon 16 Feb 2026 08.17 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Mon 16 Feb 2026 07.26 GMT&quot;}],&quot;filterKeyEvents&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;key-events-carousel-mobile&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;,&quot;serverTime&quot;:1771230685264}\"><span id=\"key-events-carousel-mobile\"\/><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><\/p>\n<p>Key events<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/gu-island><gu-island name=\"FilterKeyEventsToggle\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;filterKeyEvents&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;filter-toggle-mobile&quot;}\"><span id=\"filter-toggle-mobile\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"dcr-alru3r\"><label id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" data-component=\"filter-key-events\" data-link-name=\"filter-key-events-on\" class=\"dcr-rrspei\"><button id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch\" role=\"switch\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" class=\"dcr-dh5oqp\"\/>Show key events only<\/p>\n<p><span>Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/label><\/div>\n<p><\/gu-island><\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"block-6992d0558f0807ca308233ab\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Switzerland returns to growth<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<figure id=\"d1966b52-449b-4ba7-93c3-c72ad663b765\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">The view over Switzerland\u2019s Rigi Kulm<\/span> Photograph: Ingolf Pompe 22\/Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Newsflash: Switzerland has also escaped recession, despite the economic damage caused by US tariffs.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Swiss GDP expanded by 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025, a new estimate shows. That follows a 0.5% contraction in the third quarter of 2025, when the US trade war hurt its exporters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Switzerland\u2019s State <strong>Secretariat<\/strong> <strong>for<\/strong> <strong>Economic<\/strong> <strong>Affairs<\/strong> says that \u201cgrowth in the services sector was muted, while the industrial sector stagnated,\u201d in Q4, adding:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>According to provisional results, the Swiss economy grew by 1.4% in 2025 overall, following 1.2% the previous year.<\/p>\n<p>This is well below Switzerland\u2019s average economic growth (1.8% since 1981). The challenging international environment slowed the export?oriented industry.<\/p>\n<p>By contrast, the services sector grew at an above?average rate by historical standards<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">President Trump hit Switzerland with 39% tariffs under his trade war, before agreeing to lower them to 15% in November.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"d2a55136-ef43-454b-a2f7-35bfbcd7d462\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;richLinkIndex&quot;:6,&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Trump accused of caving to big business after deal to cut Swiss tariffs to 15%&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;d2a55136-ef43-454b-a2f7-35bfbcd7d462&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2025\/nov\/14\/tariffs-swiss-goods-reduced&quot;},&quot;ajaxUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;business\/live\/2026\/feb\/16\/japan-growth-gdp-escapes-recession-takaichi-uk-stock-market-house-prices-interest-rates-news-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6992d0558f0807ca308233ab&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6992d0558f0807ca308233ab&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Japan and Switzerland both avoid falling into recession \u2013 business live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Japan and Switzerland both avoid falling into recession \u2013 business live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/business\/live\/2026\/feb\/16\/japan-growth-gdp-escapes-recession-takaichi-uk-stock-market-house-prices-interest-rates-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6992d0558f0807ca308233ab#block-6992d0558f0807ca308233ab\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6992cbf58f0807ca30823398\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Japan has slotted in at the bottom of the G7 growth table, along with the UK:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">With Canada and the US yet to report their GDP data for October-December, here\u2019s what we know so far:<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;business\/live\/2026\/feb\/16\/japan-growth-gdp-escapes-recession-takaichi-uk-stock-market-house-prices-interest-rates-news-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6992cbf58f0807ca30823398&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6992cbf58f0807ca30823398&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Japan and Switzerland both avoid falling into recession \u2013 business live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Japan and Switzerland both avoid falling into recession \u2013 business live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/business\/live\/2026\/feb\/16\/japan-growth-gdp-escapes-recession-takaichi-uk-stock-market-house-prices-interest-rates-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6992cbf58f0807ca30823398#block-6992cbf58f0807ca30823398\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6992bead8f0807ca30823367\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Competition among UK house sellers at 11-year high<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Competition among UK house sellers is running at an eleven-year high, giving buyers more opportunities and keeping prices pegged this month.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Property portal <strong>Rightmove<\/strong> is reporting this morning that the average asking price for a newly listed homes dipped by just \u00a312 this month, to \u00a3368,019.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">And with more houses on the marker \u2013 after a record number of early-bird new sellers coming to market sinceBoxing Day and in January \u2013 potential buyers have plenty of choice.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Rightmove<\/strong> says the high number of homes for sale is continuing to benefit buyers, giving them more choice and more power to negotiate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">And with last November\u2019s budget behind us, net confidence among buyers and sellers in January has risen back to its highest level since September 2025, Rightmove reports.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Should the Bank of England cut interest rates at its next meeting, in March, that could give borrowers another lift, as the peak spring selling season approaches.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">According to <strong>Rightmove<\/strong>, the average asking price is the same as a year ago, after that \u00a312 shuffle lower.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">That\u2019s despite a record asking price increase for the time of year in January, which means prices are up by 2.8% since December<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">As the market is \u201cstill very price-sensitive,\u201d sellers need to pitch their properties realistically, says <strong>Colleen Babcock<\/strong>, property expert at <strong>Rightmove<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>\u201cVirtually flat prices in February really needs to be viewed alongside what happened in January.<\/p>\n<p>After the prolonged uncertainty in the run up to the late November Budget, plus the usual Christmas slowdown, we saw activity pick up again from Boxing Day. Many sellers, some of whom had been holding back because of the Budget, came to market in early 2026 with renewed confidence, which helped to drive that bumper January price rise.<\/p>\n<p>But the market fundamentals haven\u2019t changed. There are still lots of homes for sale, and buying activity isn\u2019t as strong as this time last year, when many buyers were rushing to move before the stamp duty increase in England. So in February, sellers have taken a more cautious approach by holding onto January\u2019s gains rather than pushing prices higher, at a time when competition is high and the market is still very price-sensitive.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<figure id=\"a7cab728-e73d-41a7-a3d1-a4695ffdf07e\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><gu-island name=\"TweetBlockComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement&quot;,&quot;source&quot;:&quot;Twitter&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;2023299924943663308&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;a7cab728-e73d-41a7-a3d1-a4695ffdf07e&quot;,&quot;hasMedia&quot;:false,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/x.com\/emmafildes\/status\/2023299924943663308&quot;,&quot;isThirdPartyTracking&quot;:false,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;nojs-tweet\\&quot;&gt;&lt;p lang=\\&quot;en\\&quot; dir=\\&quot;ltr\\&quot;&gt;After a bullish January, sellers overall think better of asking for more as increased competition stifles growths. Annually prices remained flat but many sellers tiptoed higher in February hoping end of year budget restraints being now removed would release pent up demand.\u2026 &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/t.co\/PQbemcjmJN\\&quot;&gt;pic.twitter.com\/PQbemcjmJN&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\u2014 Emma Fildes (@emmafildes) &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/emmafildes\/status\/2023299924943663308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;February 16, 2026&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/blockquote&gt;\\n\\n&quot;}}\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"tweet-container-a7cab728-e73d-41a7-a3d1-a4695ffdf07e\" class=\"dcr-1q2yr87\">\n<blockquote class=\"nojs-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">After a bullish January, sellers overall think better of asking for more as increased competition stifles growths. Annually prices remained flat but many sellers tiptoed higher in February hoping end of year budget restraints being now removed would release pent up demand.\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/PQbemcjmJN\">pic.twitter.com\/PQbemcjmJN<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Emma Fildes (@emmafildes) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/emmafildes\/status\/2023299924943663308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 16, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/gu-island><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;business\/live\/2026\/feb\/16\/japan-growth-gdp-escapes-recession-takaichi-uk-stock-market-house-prices-interest-rates-news-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6992bead8f0807ca30823367&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6992bead8f0807ca30823367&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Japan and Switzerland both avoid falling into recession \u2013 business live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Japan and Switzerland both avoid falling into recession \u2013 business live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/business\/live\/2026\/feb\/16\/japan-growth-gdp-escapes-recession-takaichi-uk-stock-market-house-prices-interest-rates-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6992bead8f0807ca30823367#block-6992bead8f0807ca30823367\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6992c6258f08a3236d065593\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Japan&#8217;s stock market dips<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<figure id=\"c571bb94-14b4-4c9d-bb01-6dfa1e06ad1d\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">An electronic stock board showing Japan&#8217;s Nikkei index at a securities firm today<\/span> Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko\/AP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Shares fell in Tokyo as investors digest today\u2019s weaker-than-expected growth report.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The <strong>Nikkei<\/strong> <strong>225<\/strong> index dipped by 0.24%, while the broader <strong>Topix<\/strong> shed 0.8%.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Masahiro<\/strong> <strong>Ichikawa<\/strong>, chief market strategist at <strong>Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management,<\/strong> said:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>\u201cI figured the GDP figures would be treated as past figures, but seeing the Nikkei average struggling to gain, there may be some slight impact.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;business\/live\/2026\/feb\/16\/japan-growth-gdp-escapes-recession-takaichi-uk-stock-market-house-prices-interest-rates-news-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6992c6258f08a3236d065593&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6992c6258f08a3236d065593&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Japan and Switzerland both avoid falling into recession \u2013 business live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Japan and Switzerland both avoid falling into recession \u2013 business live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/business\/live\/2026\/feb\/16\/japan-growth-gdp-escapes-recession-takaichi-uk-stock-market-house-prices-interest-rates-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6992c6258f08a3236d065593#block-6992c6258f08a3236d065593\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-699250458f0893c883d52591\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Introduction: Japan avoids recession with weak return to growth<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of business, the financial markets and the world economy.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Japan has escaped falling into recession, just, with a weak return to growth that highlights the need for punchy measures from its new government to spur the economy on.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Japanese GDP expanded by just 0.1% in October-December, fresh data from Japan\u2019s Cabinet Office shows, missing forecasts of 0.4% growth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">That follows a contraction of 0.7% in July-September, and means Japan has avoided a technical recession \u2013 two negative quarters of growth in a row.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"03a6d8bf-611d-4d13-9474-08e3a0398e63\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><gu-island name=\"TweetBlockComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement&quot;,&quot;source&quot;:&quot;Twitter&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;2023281480362008958&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;03a6d8bf-611d-4d13-9474-08e3a0398e63&quot;,&quot;hasMedia&quot;:false,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/x.com\/rymondIncKenya\/status\/2023281480362008958&quot;,&quot;isThirdPartyTracking&quot;:false,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;nojs-tweet\\&quot; data-conversation=\\&quot;none\\&quot;&gt;&lt;p lang=\\&quot;en\\&quot; dir=\\&quot;ltr\\&quot;&gt;Japan\u2019s GDP disappointed: December quarter grew just 0.2% annualized vs. 1.6% expected, following Q3 contraction \u2014 sending the Nikkei lower as growth hopes faded&lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/BOJ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;#BOJ&lt;\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Ueda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;#Ueda&lt;\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Japan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;#Japan&lt;\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/inflation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;#inflation&lt;\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/%E9%80%B1%E6%9C%AB%E3%81%AF%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%81%B8%E5%86%92%E9%99%BA%E3%83%89%E3%83%A9%E3%82%AF%E3%82%A8%E3%83%90%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AC%E3%83%BC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;#?????????????????&lt;\/a&gt; &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/t.co\/5XJPboHQ4H\\&quot;&gt;pic.twitter.com\/5XJPboHQ4H&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\u2014 Rymond_Inc (@rymondIncKenya) &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/twitter.com\/rymondIncKenya\/status\/2023281480362008958?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\&quot;&gt;February 16, 2026&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Private consumption drove the expansion, while exports and public spending were weak.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Shinichiro Kobayashi<\/strong>, chief economist at <strong>Mitsubishi<\/strong> <strong>UFJ<\/strong> <strong>Research<\/strong> <strong>and<\/strong> <strong>Consulting<\/strong>, explained:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>\u201cPersonal consumption showed resilience, but whether this resilience can be sustained will depend on whether price relief measures will make an impact and whether real wages will turn positive.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Japan\u2019s economy has been hurt by Donald Trump\u2019s trade war, which increased tariffs on Japanese goods entering the US.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The diplomatic row between Beijing and Tokyo over the security of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/taiwan\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Taiwan<\/a> also weighed on the economy, with Chinese tourism to Japan almost halving.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"a86b22d4-c048-4f3c-a4c2-c6588532b2e9\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;richLinkIndex&quot;:10,&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Chinese tourists shun Japan in wake of Taiwan invasion row&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;a86b22d4-c048-4f3c-a4c2-c6588532b2e9&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/jan\/20\/chinese-japan-tourist-numbers-halve-wake-taiwan-invasion-row&quot;},&quot;ajaxUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The data comes just a week after prime minister <strong>Sanae<\/strong> <strong>Takaichi<\/strong> won a landslide election victory, having promised \u201cresponsible and proactive fiscal policies\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Takaichi<\/strong> was due to meet with Bank of Japan governor <strong>Kazuo<\/strong> <strong>Ueda<\/strong>, in their first bilateral meeting since the election.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Last November, <strong>Takaichi<\/strong> unveiled a massive \u00a521.3tn (\u00a3100bn) stimulus package in an effort to spur economic growth and protect households from the rising cost of living. Further measures may be needed\u2026.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-agenda\" class=\"dcr-12ibh7f\">The agenda<\/h2>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;business\/live\/2026\/feb\/16\/japan-growth-gdp-escapes-recession-takaichi-uk-stock-market-house-prices-interest-rates-news-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-699250458f0893c883d52591&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-699250458f0893c883d52591&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Japan and Switzerland both avoid falling into recession \u2013 business live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Japan and Switzerland both avoid falling into recession \u2013 business 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3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<p><gu-island name=\"LiveBlogEpic\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;sectionId&quot;:&quot;business&quot;,&quot;shouldHideReaderRevenue&quot;:false,&quot;tags&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;business\/series\/guardian-business-live&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Series&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Business live&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;business\/business&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Business&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;business\/economics&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Economics&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;business\/stock-markets&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Stock 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news&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;type\/article&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Type&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Article&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/minutebyminute&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Minute by minute&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/news&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;News&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/graemewearden&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Graeme Wearden&quot;,&quot;bylineImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/static\/sys-images\/Guardian\/Pix\/contributor\/2014\/5\/7\/1399476600504\/Graeme-Wearden.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=e3e4394eb9ff3c21f96ba37767603f50&quot;,&quot;bylineLargeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2017\/10\/06\/Graeme-Wearden,-L.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=e7c6ad839ffcd2d7612b7976017923ac&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tracking\/commissioningdesk\/uk-business&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tracking&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;UK Business&quot;}],&quot;isPaidContent&quot;:false,&quot;contributionsServiceUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/contributions.guardianapis.com&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;business\/live\/2026\/feb\/16\/japan-growth-gdp-escapes-recession-takaichi-uk-stock-market-house-prices-interest-rates-news-updates&quot;,&quot;keywordIds&quot;:&quot;business\/business,business\/economics,business\/stock-markets,business\/ftse,money\/houseprices,world\/japan,uk\/uk,world\/world,us-news\/us-news&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;}\"\/><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>#Japan #Switzerland #avoid #falling #recession #business #live #Business<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key events Show key events onl&hellip; 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