The output prices DI in the Tankan represents the difference between the share of firms that raised prices in the preceding three months and the share of firms that lowered prices. 8 Sources: Consensus Economics Inc., “Consensus Forecasts”; QUICK, "QUICK Monthly Market Survey (Bonds)"; Bloomberg; Bank of Japan.
In this respect, I think it is particularly important that a session of this Forum is devoted to the subject of merger and acquisition activity in the insurance industry. My third issue is closely related to the second.