Japan Leading Index Revised Lower
2026-03-25 07:37
By
Farida Husna
1 min. read
Japan’s leading economic index, which gauges the outlook for the months ahead using indicators such as job offers and consumer sentiment, was at 112.1 in January 2026, below flash data of 112.4 but higher than a downwardly revised 110.4 in the previous month.
The reading reached its highest level since July 2022, underscoring a gradual improvement in the economic outlook.
Labor market strength persisted, with the jobs-to-applicants ratio remaining elevated, signaling sustained demand for workers.
At the same time, consumer confidence climbed to a 21-month high in January, as worries over stubborn cost pressures eased following Tokyo’s large-scale stimulus program designed to bolster household spending and stabilize growth.