Japan's manufacturing activity continued to contract in February albeit at a slower pace, final survey data from S&P Global revealed on Monday.
The au Jibun Bank manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 49.0 in February from 48.7 in January. The flash reading was 48.9.
However, a reading below 50.0 indicates contraction. Operating conditions deteriorated for eighth straight month. Factory output fell for the sixth successive month during February but at a slower pace. New orders dropped further. Manufacturers cited demand retrenchment and weak client confidence as the key factors behind the fall.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.