Flash Japan Manufacturing PMI™ at 49.6 in August (49.3 in July). The PMI signalled only a slight deterioration in the health of the sector that was the weakest in the current six-month sequence of decline. Flash Japan Manufacturing Output Index at 50.6 (49.4 in July). This highlighted the first increase in production since February (albeit marginal). Data collected 12- 19 August.

Today sees the latest public release of the Nikkei Flash Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index™ (PMI™). Published on a monthly basis approximately one week before final PMI data are released, this makes the PMI the earliest available indicator of manufacturing sector operating conditions in Japan. The estimate is typically based on approximately 85%-90% of total PMI survey responses each month and is designed to provide an accurate indication of final PMI data.