Issuing conditions for corporate bonds have also been favorable, and even those for low-rated corporate bonds have shown signs of improvement. Meanwhile, although many small firms still see their financial positions as weak, the overall financial positions of firms, including small ones, have continued to show signs of easing.
Nominal imports in dollars have increased at an average annual rate of 34% since 2006. This is much higher than the 7.7% average growth observed since 1994. Nominal exports in dollars have soared as well, but less than imports. This means the current account deficit has risen every quarter since 2006.