Japan’s economy expanded in the last quarter of 2024 at a slower pace than reported in preliminary data, giving the Bank of Japan added incentive to hold policy settings steady when authorities gather next week.

Japan's economy grew 2.2% on an annualized basis in the fourth quarter, a slower pace than initially reported, complicating the central bank's case for a near-term interest rate hike as tepid domestic demand persists.

The Japanese economy grew at a slower pace than initially estimated in the October-December period but still marked a third straight quarter of expansion.