TOKYO- Japan’s service activity expanded for a second straight month in December, buoyed by solid demand and business expansion, a private-sector survey showed on Monday.
The final au Jibun Bank Service purchasing managers’ index (PMI) grew to 50.9 in December from 50.5 in November, according to the survey compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence.
It was lower than a flash reading of 51.4 but stayed above the 50.0 threshold separating expansion from contraction for a second straight month.
“December data revealed a positive month for the Japanese service sector, with sustained rises in both business activity and new business,” said Usamah Bhatti, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
The subindex of new business rose for a sixth straight month in December and hit the highest level in four months, led by acquisitions of new customers especially from the domestic market, the survey showed.
Employment grew for a 15th consecutive month, although the pace of growth slowed from November. Firms in the survey said they hired more employees in accordance with business expansion plans.
