However, financial institutions, not only in regions but in Japan as a whole, are now entering a phase of drastic changes. Structural changes are taking place, such as the declining population and aging, globalization, as well as technological innovation evidenced by new entries to the settlement business from outside the financial sector.
However, it is very likely that fixed investment in high-growth sectors, including those related to information technology services, will increase as corporate profits continue to recover. Moreover, the improvement in corporate profits will increase household income and this in turn is expected to boost private consumption.