Japan's small business confidence weakened in April after rising in the previous month, survey data from Shoko Chukin Bank showed Wednesday.
The small business confidence indicator dropped to 48.6 in April from 50.5 in March. In February, the score was 47.7.
The confidence indicator for manufacturing sector fell by 2.7 points to 47.3 in April. Similarly, the non-manufacturing index declined to 47.3 from 50.0 in the prior month.
The business sentiment for May is expected to rise to 48.7. The index is forecast to climb to 47.4 and to 49.7 in non-manufacturing.
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April 24, 2026 15:15 ET Economics news flow was relatively light this week even as the conflict in the Middle East continued, raising concerns for policymakers. In the U.S., spending data, initial jobless claims and pending home sales were the highlights. Business confidence in the biggest euro area economy was in focus in Europe. Inflation data from Japan gained attention in Asia.