Japan's manufacturing activity expanded in January for the first time in seven months, buoyed by the biggest rise in new export orders in more than four years, a private-sector survey showed. The S&P Global flash Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) increased to 51.5 in January from December's final reading of 50.0, marking a return to expansionary territory for the first time since June 2025. Readings above 50.0 indicate growth in activity, while those below point to a contraction. Among key sub-indexes, both factory output and new orders ended their contraction streaks in January. New export ... (full story)