The manufacturing sector in Japan continued to expand at an accelerated pace in January, the latest flash purchasing managers' index from Markit Economics and the Japan Materials Management Association revealed Friday.
The Markit/JMMA manufacturing purchasing managers' index, or PMI, edged up to 52.1 in January from 52 in December.
A score above 50 signals expansion in a sector, while a reading below means contraction.
Manufacturing output rose at a solid pace as the corresponding index came in at 52.3, though slightly less than the 52.5 score in December.
New orders increased at a faster rate in January. Employment levels continued to climb, though at a slower rate.
The final manufacturing PMI figures will be published on 2nd February.
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