Japan’s all industry activity increased unexpectedly in February, figures from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry showed Friday.

The all industry activity index climbed 0.1 percent month-on-month in February, in contrast to economists’ expectations for a 1.0 percent decline.

In January, the index had risen 0.5 percent. It was revised down from a 1.9 percent increase. The index has been increasing since August last year.

The tertiary activity index went up 0.3 percent in February from the prior month. At the same time, both industrial production index and construction activity declined 3.1 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively.

On a yearly basis, the all industry activity index dropped at a slower pace of 1.2 percent in February, following a 1.7 percent fall in January. It was the eleventh successive monthly decrease.

The material has been provided by InstaForex Company – www.instaforex.com