Japan's economy has moved out of recession with 0.9% growth for the first time in a year. The improvement in the countries fortunes, which took place in the April-June quarter, has been attributed to the Government's sizeable stimulus package.

Whether or not this will be sustained is unclear and the country's main share index, the Nikkei, fell back as the level of growth was lower than expected.

Japan is heavily reliant on its exports and the fall in demand from the US following its troubles has hit the country hard. While this small growth in the economy is viewed as positive it is also being greeted with caution.

The Bank of Japan said although conditions in the Japanese economy had stopped worsening, unemployment would likely stay high and consumer spending low.

Japan is just one of several countries showing positive growth, with Germany, France and Hong Kong also leaving recession - signs that the global crisis is easing.