Tokyo---Confidence among major Japanese manufacturers came in lower than market expectations, a quarterly central bank survey showed Wednesday, underscoring the lacklustre state of the world's number three economy.
The Bank of Japan's closely watched Tankan survey showed confidence among large manufacturers stood at plus 12 in March, flat from the previous report and missing expectations that the level would come in at 14, although sentiment among non-manufacturers was more upbeat.
The survey of more than 10,000 companies -- marking the difference between the percentage of firms that are upbeat and those that see conditions as unfavourable -- is the most comprehensive indicator of how Japan Inc. is faring.
AFP
