This is data from late yesterday out of Japan, from the Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association.

  • Machine tool orders received by Japanese companies in the January-June term came in +35.5% y/y
  • This is the the highest six-month tally since the 2008 Lehman shock
  • In June alone, overall orders increased 34.2% y/y
  • An official from the Association says conditions shjould improve again in the 2nd half of the year with signs of further recovery in Asia.

Like I said, this is a data point from late yesterday. Upon release it didn’t have much impact on the yen, but it all goes into the mix.