A Japanese government survey shows that workers had a gloomier view of the economy in February for a second straight month. The mood reflects thriftiness among consumers in the face of rising prices.



The Cabinet Office says the index measuring sentiment in the economy watchers survey stood at 45.6 last month. That's down 3 points from January.



More than 2,000 people working in various industries are asked to give their take on the economy compared with three months earlier.



A reading under 50 means more workers have a negative view than those who are positive.



Respondents cited sluggish sales, as heavy snowfall and severe cold kept consumers at home, in addition to growing budget-mindedness.



A retailer in the northeast said tourists stayed away from the region on worries about traffic disruptions caused by heavy snow.



A worker at a department store in western Japan said sales to foreign tourists were brisk, but those to domestic consumers declined sharply. The worker said customers tended to avoid non-essential purchases.



The Cabinet Office revised downward its assessment of the economy for the first time in 10 months. It notes a modest recovery, yet with some weakness.