- Flash Japan Manufacturing PMI™ at 52.4 (52.6 in December). Flash headline PMI little-changed from December’s joint 21-month high.
Flash Japan Manufacturing Output Index at 53.2 (53.9 in December). Robust growth in output at Japanese manufacturers.
The start of 2016 was largely positive for the Japanese manufacturing sector, with latest data pointing to a solid improvement in operating conditions. Production rose at a rate little-changed from December’s joint 21-month record. In contrast, new order growth eased to a six month low. Data suggested that the slowdown in total new order growth was mainly attributed to the domestic market, as international demand rose at a faster rate. Meanwhile, input prices fell for the first time in over three years linked to the declines in raw material costs, particularly oil- and metal-related items.
