Japan's October factory growth slows as costs pick up, PMI shows
EWJ•Japan's manufacturing PMI eased to 53.3 in October from 54.1 in September, its slowest expansion in seven months, as output and new orders lost momentum and input price inflation accelerated.
1. Growth loses momentum
The S&P Global Japan Manufacturing PMI fell to 53.3 in October from 54.1 in September. The index remained above 50, the mark separating growth from contraction, but output and new orders both expanded at their slowest pace in seven months.
2. Costs and outlook
Output rose for a 10th straight month, supported by stronger semiconductor demand, while new orders also increased for a 10th consecutive month, with firms citing AI-related demand strength. Input price inflation accelerated, while output charge inflation eased to a six-month low. Manufacturers' optimism about the year ahead reached an eight-month high.
