Japan service activity extends gains on solid demand

The final au Jibun Bank Service purchasing managers’ index rose to 54.3 last month, the highest level since August 2023. — Reuters

TOKYO: Japanese service sector activity grew at the fastest pace in eight months in April, thanks to solid business and consumer spending, a private survey shows.

The final au Jibun Bank Service purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rose to 54.3 last month, the highest level since August 2023, and up slightly from 54.1 in March.