The total value of machinery orders received by 280 manufacturers operating in Japan increased by 23.8% in December from the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis. In October-December period it increased by 11.8% compared with the previous quarter. Private-sector machinery orders, excluding volatile ones for ships and those from electric power companies, increased a seasonally adjusted by 19.1% in December, and showed rose by 7.9% in October-December period. In the January-March period the total amount of machinery orders was forecasted to increase by 6.2% and private-sector orders, excluding volatile ones, ... (full story)