Japan - Nikkei / Markit Manufacturing PMI, preliminary, February: 54.0 (prior 54.8)

The final read for this will come out next week

Key points made by Markit:

• Flash Japan Manufacturing PMI edges lower to 54.0 in February (54.8 in January)
• Output and new orders both grow at slowest pace since October 2017
• Employment growth accelerates to 11-year high

Commenting on the Japanese Manufacturing PMI survey data, Joe Hayes, Economist at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said:

• "February Japan flash PMI data is a fairly mixed bag overall.
• On the one hand, output and new business inflows increased to weaker extents, while recent yen appreciation has coincided with slower new export order growth. Furthermore, a number of panellists indicated that the stronger currency had prompted them to lower prices to overseas customers. Indeed, further yen strengthening will create unwanted drag on inflationary pressures.
• That said, employment growth accelerating to an 11- year high signals confidence that expansionary output and demand trends will continue for the time being."