Japan – Reuters Tankan poll – out earlier:
- 256 firms responded to the poll of 400 big and medium firms taken February 3-17
- Sentiment index for manufacturers fell by one point to plus 18 from plus 19 in January, the first decline in 5 months
- Electric machinery index down 23 points
- Precision machinery index down by 8 points
- Non-manufacturing index was +30 in Feb vs. +27 in January
- Further out, the japan manufacturers index is seen at +14 in May, the non-manufacturing at +15
- Companies voiced concern about weak shipments to China & risks from emerging market economies
