Japan delivers long-delayed consumption tax hike www.bbc.com

On Tuesday, the country raised its sales tax rate from 8% to 10%.
Past sales tax rises in the world's third largest economy have hit spending.
Consumers will be eligible for a 5% rebate on purchases made using electronic payments at some smaller retailers - outstripping the 2% tax rise.
Image copyright Getty ImagesThe move is designed to mitigate the impact of the tax increase, as well as drive up the use of electronic payments in cash-reliant Japan.
Previous sales tax rises have seen spending drop off sharply.