The Nikkei Japan Manufacturing PMI rose to a six-month high of 53.1 in October 2018 from 52.5 in the previous month, flash figure showed. Output and new orders increased at a faster pace while new export orders went up for the first time since May despite several respondents highlighting problems arising from global trade tensions.

Also, employment growth accelerated and buying activity continued to grow. Meantime backlogs of works rose faster, while delivery time lengthened. Regarding inflation, both output and input prices rose faster. Business sentiment remained positive despite softening.