Japan’s Current Account Surplus Rises Again

Japan’s broadest measure of trade jumped in September, climbing more than 70% from a year ago, the government announced today. According to the Finance Ministry, the current account surplus, unadjusted for seasonal factors, was $15.8 billion in September, up 70.4% from the year-ago period--the 18th consecutive monthly year-over-year increase. The current account measures the difference between income from foreign sources and foreign obligations payable, excluding net capital investment.