The next Bank of Japan Tankan is due on Monday (April 3). Nikkei group member QUICK compiled projections from 12 financial institutions and think tanks for the March survey
- Median projected March diffusion index for major manufacturers was +15, up 5 points from December
- Would mark the biggest improvement since September 2013
- And the highest level since June 2015
- But the projection is less rosy for how manufacturers see conditions three months down the road in June, coming in 2 points below March at positive 13
- Nonmanufacturing-sector diffusion index is seen improving 1 point from the December reading to positive 19
--
Japan has seen a lift in production and exports as the global economy has shown a bit of a pick up.
The (up until recently) weaker yen has underpinned positive sentiment at exporters
Risk seen now include European elections & the new US administration
