Japan's manufacturing activity remained broadly firm in July with output rising at its fastest rate since February 2014, while uncertainty about the Middle East situation continued to weigh on firms, a business survey showed on Friday. The S&P Global flash Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) came in at 54.7 in July, slightly softer than 54.8 in June. A reading above 50.0 indicates expansion, while below that level signals contraction. A key sub-index for factory output accelerated further, with the index climbing to its highest level since February 2014. Manufacturers also recorded the sharpest ... (full story)