US ISM Services Sector Heats Up in February, Takes PMI to More Than 3-Year High as Firms Meeting Demand by Controlling Tariff-Induced Cost Rise
By Max Sato (MaceNews) – The U.S. services sector revved up sharply in February to extend its expansionary phase into a 20th month as firms have managed to absorb higher costs triggered by stiff import duties imposed under the protectionist U.S. trade policy, indicating a resilient labor market and solid economic growth in the first […]
US ISM Manufacturing PMI Stays in Expansionary State in February but Many Firms Complain US Tariffs Boosting Procurement Costs
–ISM’s Spence: Wouldn’t Be Surprised If Price Pressure Continued in Light of Heightened Tensions in Middle East By Max Sato (MaceNews) – U.S. manufacturing activity stayed in expansionary territory in February after springing back to life from a year-long slumber the previous month but firms are blaming the protectionist trade policy under President Donald Trump […]
Japan Week Ahead: PM Takaichi Faces Biggest Challenge in Office as Nation Braces for Major Crude Oil Supply Disruption, Return of Higher Energy Costs
–Japan Expected to Tide Over Impact of Temporary Iranian Blockade of Strait of Hormuz Despite Its Heavy Reliance on Middel East Oil, Gas By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Here are the key Japanese events for the coming week. Just as parliamentary debate on the fiscal 2026 budget has shifted to the key budget committee of […]
Preview: Forecasters See Japan Jobless Rate Flat in January as Labor Shortages Persist
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 0830 JST (2330 GMT/1830 EST Monday, March 2) The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications releases January jobs. Mace News median:2.6% (range: 2.5% to 2.6%)vs. 2.6% in the previous five months, over 5-year low of 2.3% in July, 2.5% from March to June By Chikafumi Hodo TOKYO (MaceNews) – Japan’s seasonally […]
Japan’s Government Sticks to Modest Economic Recovery Outlook as Firms Tiding Over Trump Tariff Storms, Inflation Drifting Lower on Easing Food, Energy Costs
–PM Takaichi Quiet on BOJ’s Unwinding of Stimulus; Mainichi Says She Showed Reluctance to Further Rate Hikes in Recent Meeting with Governor Ueda –Government Nominates Academic Types with Possible Reflationary Bias to Replace Two Outgoing BOJ Board Members By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Japan’s government continues to predict a modest economic recovery, noting that corporate […]
Preview: Forecasters See Modest Rise for Japanese Retail Sales
Friday, Feb. 27, 20260850 JST (2350 GMT/1850 EST Thursday, Feb. 26) The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry releases January retail sales. Mace News median: +0.1% y/y (range: -1.2% to +2.5%) vs. Dec -0.9%; +2.1% m/m (range: +1.6% to+3.0%) vs. Dec -2.0% By Chikafumi Hodo TOKYO (MaceNews) –Japan’s retail sales are projected to inch up […]
Preview: Forecasters See Sharp Rebound for Japanese Industrial Production
Friday, Feb. 27, 20260850 JST (2350 GMT/1850 EST Thursday, Feb. 26) The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry releases January industrial production, outlook for February and March. Mace News median: +5.3% m/m (range: +4.0% to +7.0%) vs. Dec. -0.1%; +5.2% y/y (range: +4.2% to +7.2%) vs. Dec. +2.6% By Chikafumi Hodo TOKYO (MaceNews) – Japan’s […]
Japan Week Ahead: Lawmakers to Kick Off Debate on Fiscal 2026 Budget as PM Seeks Closer Alliance with Trump to Trim Reliance on Chinese Rare Earths
–Tokyo CPI to Show Inflation Trending Lower Below BOJ’s 2% Target, Factory Output Set to Rebound While Retail Sales Remain Sluggish By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Here are the key Japanese events for the coming week. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been sworn in after being re-elected in the Diet where lawmakers will start debating […]
Japan’s December Core Machine Orders Soar Record 19.1% to 18-Year High, Driven by Large Industrial Orders, Persistent Computer Demand from Services Sector
–Cabinet Office Keeps View After October Upgrade: Orders Showing Signs of Pickup –Official: December Rise After November’s 11.0% Dip Indicates Trend Not Strong Enough to Revise Up View By Max Sato (MaceNews) – Japanese core machinery orders, a key leading indicator of business investment in equipment and software, surged a record 19.1% on the month […]
Preview: Forecasters See Slower CPI Inflation in January
Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 0830 JST (2330 GMT/1830 EST Thursday, Feb. 19) The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications releases January CPI.Mace News median: total CPI +1.6% y/y (range: +1.5% to +1.7%) vs. Dec+2.1%; core CPI (ex-fresh food) +2.1% y/y (range: +2.0% to +2.1%) vs. Dec +2.4%; core-core CPI (ex-fresh food, energy) +2.7% y/y (range […]