The leading index for Japan, which measures the future economic activity, increased less than expected in December, after falling in the previous month, preliminary figures from the Cabinet Office showed Friday.
The leading index climbed to 105.2 in December from 103.7 in November. Economists had expect the index to rise to 105.4.
The coincident index that reflects the current economic activity rose to 110.7 in December from 109.2 in the prior month. It was the highest score since May, when it marked 111.0. The reading was forecast to rise to 110.5.
At the same time, the lagging index, which measures the past economic activity dropped to 118.3 in December from 120.6 in November.
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