Softbank Covid-19 Testing Highlights Japan's Resistance to the Pandemic

Deputy Chief Economist

Sharmila Whelan

Independent and original Asian investment research

Aletheia Capital

Aletheia Capital (HK) Ltd. (previously known as Asianomics) combines the extensive knowledge of its experienced team with technology and regulatory changes to disrupt Global Markets business in Asia. The firm is completely independent with no conflicts of interest either on Investment Banking advisory or Capital Markets execution.

Macroeconomics

<p style="text-align: justify;">We are disappointed by the handling of the heath crisis in Japan, which compares poorly with regional peers – Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. The economy entered the crisis from a position of relative strength but downside growth risks are growing. Like in other first world countries, stopping the temporary economic shock due to Covid-19 turning into an outright economic downturn is dependent on the virus outbreak being contained quickly and on emergency policy measures working.</p>

We are disappointed by the handling of the heath crisis in Japan, which compares poorly with regional peers – Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. The economy entered the crisis from a position of relative strength but downside growth risks are growing. Like in other first world countries, stopping the temporary economic shock due to Covid-19 turning into an outright economic downturn is dependent on the virus outbreak being contained quickly and on emergency policy measures working.

Japan & Covid-19 - A Dog's Dinner