A closely-watched survey of business sentiment in Japan shows a slight improvement among major manufacturers for the second straight quarter.
The Bank of Japan's latest "Tankan" survey was released on Wednesday.
The sentiment index for manufacturers came in at plus 14. That is 1 point higher than in the previous poll.
A positive number indicates there are more companies feeling optimistic about business conditions than pessimistic.
Sentiment improved at nine of the 16 manufacturing sectors monitored.
The reading for the automotive industry shows a 2-point improvement. Uncertainty over US tariffs has eased after Japan and the United States issued a joint statement on policies.
Meanwhile the sentiment index for large non-manufacturers is unchanged from the previous survey. It continues to hover around the highest level in 34 years.
Looking three months ahead, confidence at large manufacturers is forecast to slip to plus 12, while it is projected to decline 6 points to 28 for non-manufacturers.
The BOJ polled about 9,000 companies from late August through the end of September.

Quiz 1:
What was the sentiment index for manufacturers in the latest Tankan survey?
A. Minus 14
B. Plus 14 (Correct Answer)
C. Zero
D. Minus 2

Quiz 2:
Which sector showed a 2-point improvement in sentiment in the latest Tankan survey?
A. Construction
B. Automotive (Correct Answer)
C. Retail
D. Finance

Quiz 3:
How did the sentiment index for large non-manufacturers change from the previous survey?
A. Increased by 6 points
B. Decreased by 6 points (Correct Answer)
C. Remained unchanged
D. Doubled