Japanese companies' annual spending on plant and equipment remained almost flat in the first quarter, data showed on Monday, pausing after a year of strong growth as concerns mount over the impact of the Middle East conflict. The tepid expenditure data, which will be used to calculate revised gross domestic product figures due on June 8, come as analysts say that surging energy costs and supply chain disruptions driven by the Iran war could further undermine investment demand. Preliminary data last month showed Japan's economy grew at a faster-than-expected annualised pace of 2.1 per cent in the first quarter of ... (full story)