Japan's leading index held steady in June, defying economists' expectations for an increase, preliminary survey data from the Cabinet Office showed Friday.

The leading index that signals the future economic activity, came in at 98.4 in June, the same reading as in the previous month. Meanwhile, it was forecast to climb to 99.7.

The coincident index that reflects the current economic activity rose to 110.5 in June from 109.2 in May. However, the score was below the expected level of 111.3.

Similarly, the lagging index that indicates the past economic activity, increased from 111.5 to 112.0 in June.