Japan posted a merchandise trade surplus of 139.6 billion yen in September, according to rttnews.

That exceeded expectations for a deficit of 45.1 billion yen following the 444.6 billion yen shortfall in August.

Exports were down 1.2 percent on year, shy of forecasts for an increase of 2.3 percent following the 6.6 percent gain in the previous month.

Imports advanced an annual 7.0 percent versus forecasts for a jump of 13.7 percent after climbing 15.4 percent a month earlier.