The flash reading for this, with the 'final' to follow on May 7

Comes in at 49.5

  • an improvement from March's 49.2
  • still below 50, thus still showing contraction

In the sub measures, the new export index fell at its fastest pace in 3years.

  • to 47.1 (from March's 48.1)
  • Trade tensions and weaker offshore demand a factor here of course.

The employment index is higher, at 52.2 (prior 51.4)

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Yen has been sleepy the whole morning here so far. A circa 10 point range only for USD/JPY.