Japan Manufacturing Falls At Slower Pace

(RTTNews) - Japan's manufacturing activity continued to decline in December, although the pace of contraction eased somewhat, survey data suggested on Thursday.

The Markit/JMMA manufacturing purchasing managers' index came in at a seasonally adjusted 48.3, up from 47.3 in November. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while one below suggests contraction.

Japanese manufacturing output contracted in December, albeit at the slowest pace in three months. Overall new work received fell markedly, as respondents continued to report underlying demand weakness.