The leading for Japan, which measures the future economic activity, decreased more-than-expected to the weakest level in nearly three years in December, preliminary figures from the Cabinet Office showed Friday.
The leading index fell to 102.0 in December from 103.2 in the previous month. Economists had forecast the index to drop to 102.7.
The latest reading was the lowest since January 2013, when it marked 101.6.
The coincident index that indicates the current economic activity also slipped to 111.2 to December from 111.9 a month earlier.
It was expected to fall to 111.0. Moreover, the recent score was the weakest in nine months.
The lagging index that reflects the past economic activity, came in at 115.6 in December, unchanged from November.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com