In August, Japan’s Service PMI climbed from 53.8 to 54.3, while the Manufacturing PMI saw a slight increase from 49.6 to 49.7, just above anticipated figures. Composite PMI also edged up from 52.2 to 52.6.
Andrew Harker, from S&P Global Market Intelligence, pointed out the robust performance of the service sector, driven by consistent new order growth. In contrast, manufacturing only marginally rebounded but remained below the growth threshold.
Despite the overall rise in new orders, manufacturing employment remained flat, ending its 28-month growth streak. Additionally, heightened oil prices impacted both sectors, causing the steepest rise in input costs in four months. Notably, business confidence dwindled in both domains due to longer-term economic uncertainties.