However, domestic private demand components continue to be sluggish reflecting the severe employment and income conditions, and downward pressure stemming from corporate balance sheet adjustment. Nevertheless, there are some positive signs in domestic demand reflecting the increase in exports and production. Some business fixed investment indicators, such as machinery orders in the manufacturing sector, are showing signs that they have stopped declining.
In addition, new job offers and overtime hours are slightly increasing reflecting the rise in production. Wholesale prices have been leveling out since February reflecting higher import prices and improvement in the supply-demand balance which is due to the completion of inventory liquidation. However, consumer prices have continued to decline moderately. B.