Japanese manufacturing activity shrank in June for the first time in seven months, a survey showed on Friday, in a sign that a boost to the economy from rebuilding areas damaged by last year\'s earthquake and tsunami is starting to wane.
The Markit/JMMA Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell to a seasonally adjusted 49.9 in June from 50.7 in May.
The index fell below the 50 threshold that separates contraction from expansion for the first time since November 2011, the data showed.
\'The latest survey findings indicate that the boost from (reconstruction) efforts is starting to ebb, however, with investment goods producers noting a particularly sharp fall in output during June,\' said Mr Alex Hamilton, an economist at Markit.
The Markit/JMMA Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell to a seasonally adjusted 49.9 in June from 50.7 in May.
The index fell below the 50 threshold that separates contraction from expansion for the first time since November 2011, the data showed.
\'The latest survey findings indicate that the boost from (reconstruction) efforts is starting to ebb, however, with investment goods producers noting a particularly sharp fall in output during June,\' said Mr Alex Hamilton, an economist at Markit.