Japan MFG and Services Indices Diverge

April 21, 2008

By Robert Brusca

· Japan’s MFG and services sectors diverged in February. The MFG index stands at its highest level since 1993 and in growth terms (chart) it is accelerating to a more midrange value. The services sector (Japan’s tertiary Index) has, however, fallen sharply. While the service index is still strong, residing in the 87th percentile of its range, the drop in the index is sharp and worrisome. Even in recessions the index does not usually drop this sharply. 

Up-to-date Japan Industry Surveys

Recent Months

Moving Averages

Extremes: Range

 

Feb-2008

Jan-2008

Dec-2007

3-Mo

6-Mo

12-Mo

Max

Min

%-Tile

Mining and MFG

110.2

108.5

109.1

109.3

109.0

108.0

110.2

87.0

100.0%

Tertiary

108.4

110.3

109.9

109.5

109.9

110.0

110.9

91.4

87.2%

Ranges, Max, Min since 1993

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