Japanese government downgraded its growth forecast for the third consecutive month in October, amid deepening concerns that European debt crisis and China's slowdown intensified. It is the longest streak of downgrades since 2008, and the chance of further stimulus measures for the Bank of Japan has increased. Japanese economy expanded by 0.2% in April-June period.
"The economic recovery has had a weak tone recently due to a slowdown in the global economy, although some steadiness is still seen," the Japanese government said in its latest monthly report released on Friday.