Japan’s all industry activity declined at a faster-than-expected pace in March, figures from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry showed Thursday.

The all industry activity index fell 1.3 percent month-over-month in March, reversing a 0.2 percent increase in the previous month.

It was the first decrease in nine months. Economists had expected a 0.4
percent drop for the month.

The tertiary activity index slid 1.0 percent monthly in March and the index measuring industrial production went down by 0.9 percent. At the same time, construction activity expanded 1.1 percent.

On an annual basis, the all industry activity index declined at a faster pace of 2.4 percent in March, following a 1.2 percent drop in the preceding month.
The index has been falling since April last year.

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