Japan exports grow but manufacturers' mood sours as rising yen clouds outlook

Tokyo

BUOYANT sales of cars and electronics led Japan's exports to a 14th straight month of growth in January but manufacturers' business confidence slid, highlighting fears of the rising yen disrupting an export-led recovery.

The trade data came on the heels of the Reuters Tankan survey that found Japanese manufacturers' confidence deteriorated sharply in February, pointing to global stock market turmoil and the yen undermining business sentiment.