The latest Flash PMI® data, compiled by S&P Global, pointed to the strongest rise in total business activity across Japan's private sector for three months in June. This was supported by a quicker increase in manufacturing output and a renewed upturn in services activity, with both sectors reporting firmer demand conditions. Greater amounts of backlogged work meanwhile encouraged firms to expand their payrolls again. However, input costs rose at an accelerated pace that was the fastest since July 2022, which led to another substantial increase in average selling prices. Furthermore, concerns around inflation and ... (full story)