Business sentiment among major Japanese manufacturers has improved for a fifth straight quarter, according to the Bank of Japan’s quarterly “tankan” survey.
The survey’s diffusion index rose to 22 from 17 in the previous quarter. The index for large non-manufacturers, such as services, edged up to 37 from the last tankan’s 36.
Higher fuel prices due to the Iran war have added to inflationary pressures in Japan. However, crude oil prices have fallen since the U.S. and Iran agreed on an interim deal to end the war.
Analysts say Japan’s economic indicators, such as investments, remain relatively strong despite longer-term problems such as a chronic labor shortage due to an aging and declining population.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
