• Flash Japan Manufacturing PMI down to 6-month low of 52.0 in May (52.7 in April).

• Flash Manufacturing Output Index at 52.9 (53.4 in April). Slowest growth for six months.

• Job creation weakest since last November.

Commenting on the Japanese Manufacturing PMI survey data, Paul Smith, Senior Economist at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said: "May's PMI data signalled a broad-based slowdown in growth of the manufacturing sector, with output, new orders and employment all rising at their slowest rates since last November. "Although growth is being maintained at a decent clip, reports of "wait-and-see" attitudes amongst clients, excess warehouse inventories and recent sharp rises in raw material costs all served to undermine expansion during the month."