1. Major Japanese manufacturers' sentiment has improved slightly for the second consecutive quarter, as indicated by the Bank of Japan's latest Tankan survey.
2. The sentiment index for manufacturers increased by 1 point to plus 14, with nine out of 16 manufacturing sectors showing improvement. The automotive industry showed a 2-point improvement due to reduced uncertainty over US tariffs following a joint statement from Japan and the United States.
3. While large non-manufacturers' sentiment remained unchanged at a high level not seen in 34 years, both large manufacturers and large non-manufacturers are forecasted to show lower confidence levels three months ahead (plus 12 for manufacturers and 28 for non-manufacturers). The survey polled approximately 9,000 companies from late August through the end of September.