TOKYO, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Business confidence among major Japanese manufacturers improved for a third consecutive quarter in the October-December period, the latest survey by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) showed.
The central bank released its quarterly Tankan survey on Monday, with the headline diffusion index among large manufacturers rising from 14 three months earlier to 15, the highest level since December 2021.
Sectors that showed strong business confidence included petroleum and coal products, as well as chemicals, reflecting receding fears over the adverse impact of U.S. trade policy.
The index for large non-manufacturers, including the service sector, was unchanged from the previous survey in September at 34, but it is expected to worsen to 28 in three months due to growing concerns over a decline in overseas tourist arrivals.
The closely watched survey is considered a key indicator for the state of Japan's economy and will be among the materials reviewed at the BOJ's two-day policy meeting ending Friday, when the bank is widely expected to raise its key interest rate for the first time since January. ■
