A measure of peoples’ assessment of the Japanese economy increased more-than-expected in October, after falling in the previous two months, survey figures from the Cabinet Office showed Tuesday.

The current index of Economy Watchers’ survey rose by 0.7 points to 48.2 in October from 47.5 in September. Economists had forecast the index to climb to 48.1.

However, the latest reading was the lowest since January this year, when the score was 45.6.

Any reading above 50 indicates optimism and a score below 50 suggests pessimism.

At the same time, the outlook index held steady at 49.1 in October, while it was expected to improve to 49.3.

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