Flash Japan Manufacturing PMI at 51.9 in December (51.3 in November), signalling the greatest improvement in manufacturing conditions since January.

Commenting on the Japanese Manufacturing PMI survey data, Amy Brownbill, economist at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said:

"Latest survey data pointed to a further improvement in the Japanese manufacturing sector. Output and new orders both increased at sharper rates, with new work inflows rising at the quickest pace since January. As a result, goods producers were more optimistic towards taking on additional workers, with the rate of job creation picking up to a 32-month high. Manufacturers also increased their input buying at the quickest rate in ten months. However, cost inflationary pressures accelerated to a 13-month peak, with reports of steep rises in raw material costs driving up input prices."