Business activity across Japan's private sector expanded at the fastest rate since February midway through the third quarter, according to the August Flash PMI® survey data. The upturn was supported by a fresh increase in factory production alongside a further solid rise in activity at service providers. Total new business also expanded at the quickest rate in six months, though this was driven solely by the service sector. New export business fell at a steeper rate, however, and employment continued to expand only slightly. Cost pressures meanwhile intensified, with average input prices rising at a sharp and ... (full story)