Flash reading for Japan Markit/JMMA Manufacturing PMI for May: 50.9

  • expected 50.3
  • prior was 49.9

Key points:

  • Operating conditions improve slightly in May.
  • Flash Japan Manufacturing Output Index at 51.7 (49.3 in April)
  • Production rises at moderate pace

Amy Brownbill, Economist at Markit:

  • "Reflective of an overall improvement in operating conditions at Japanese manufacturers was a return to growth of both production and new orders in May.
  • Moreover, the rates of expansion were faster than their respective long-term averages.
  • Subsequently, employment rose at the quickest rate since December last year, while buying activity increased for the third time this year so far.
  • Meanwhile, input prices increased at the weakest rate in the current 29-month sequence of inflation, while charges stabilised, following a three-month period of decline."

NOTE: CHINA May Flash PMI up next - due at 0145GMT!