• Flash Japan Manufacturing PMI edges lower to 54.0 in February (54.8 in January).

• Output and new orders both grow at slowest pace since October 2017.

• Employment growth accelerates to 11-year high.

Comment: Commenting on the Japanese Manufacturing PMI survey data, Joe Hayes, Economist at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said: "February Japan flash PMI data is a fairly mixed bag overall. On the one hand, output and new business inflows increased to weaker extents, while recent yen appreciation has coincided with slower new export order growth. Furthermore, a number of panellists indicated that the stronger currency had prompted them to lower prices to overseas customers. Indeed, further yen strengthening will create unwanted drag on inflationary pressures. "That said, employment growth accelerating to an 11- year high signals confidence that expansionary output and demand trends will continue for the time being."