Japan's housing starts increased for the first time in three months in August, according to rttnews.

Housing starts advanced 1.6 percent in August from last year, reversing a 0.7 percent drop in July. Orders were forecast to climb 0.4 percent.

Annualized housing starts decreased to 957,000 from 958,000 in July. The expected level was 947,000.

Data also showed that construction orders received by big 50 contractors rose 0.5 percent year-on-year in August in contrast to a 9.3 percent fall in July. Orders increased for the first time in four months.