Japan Factory Activity Slumps in December on Weak Demand and Market Uncertainty
• Japan's factory activity contracted at fastest pace in 10 months in December as output and new orders slid due to market uncertainty • Demand lower from key export clients in China, Europe, North America and important sectors like electronics • Cost pressures increased, with input price inflation rising to 3-month high amid higher raw material costs • Output and new orders fell at fastest pace since February over market uncertainty in Japan and overseas • Manufacturers confident of recovery in demand, especially for products like semiconductors