The increase in new orders also marked the 17th consecutive month of growth thanks to improvements in the tourism sector.
The Au Jibun Bank Japan Composite PMI was revised upward to 51.5 in January 2024 from a flash reading of 51.1 and following the December reading of 50.0, marking the highest reading since last September, with l service activity which grew the most in 4 months while the reduction in the manufacturing sector production fell to a 3 month low.
“Private sector companies noted optimism about future activity, as the level of outstanding business stabilized after six consecutive monthly declines, showing signs of growing capacity pressures in Japan’s private sector economy. Additionally, the degree overall positive sentiment regarding the 12-month outlook for activity has strengthened to the highest levels since last June,” said Usamah Bhatti, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence.