By Bob Blandeburgo Associate Editor Money Morning

Stimulus measures in Japan helped the world’s second-largest economy grow at its fastest pace in more than two years, but it’s unlikely policymakers will reduce spending despite the nation’s rapidly growing debt.

Gross domestic product (GDP) in Japan grew at 4.8% annual rate in the third quarter, surpassing all the forecasts of 20 economists polled by Bloomberg News. That follows a revised gain of 2.7% in the three months ended June 30, according to Japan’s Cabinet Office. Japan’s economy grew 1.2% on a quarterly basis.

“The turnaround in public investment has definitely contributed to the rebound in GDP, so if they do start to cut it’ll weigh on growth,” Hiromichi Shirakawa, chief Japan economist at Credit Suisse Group AG (NYSE ADR: CS), told Bloomberg.

Stimulus measures around the world helped Japan’s exports grow 6.4%, but as global economies withdraw stimulus measures,

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For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL - February 16, 2009 - Zacks.com releases the list of companies likely to issue earnings surprises. This week's list includes Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ), Tesoro Corporation (TSO), Apache Corporation (APA) and Cimarex Energy Co. (XEC). To see more earnings analysis, visit http://at.zacks.com/?id=3207.

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The Week's Events

Earnings season will shift to the retailers with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) releasing results on Tuesday morning. Nearly 1 out of every 10 reports will come from the retail sector.

We have confirmed earnings announcements from 277 companies, including 30 S&P 500 members. WMT and Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ) will represent the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DJI).

Minutes from the January Fed

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