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flag Japanese factory sentiment hits four-year high, boosting rate hike expectations.

flag Japan’s business sentiment among large manufacturers hit a four-year high in December, with the Bank of Japan’s tankan survey showing a headline index of +15, up slightly from +14 in September and in line with expectations. flag This marks the third consecutive quarter of improvement, driven by reduced U.S. trade uncertainty, strong demand in high-tech sectors, and better cost pass-through, despite ongoing labor shortages and weakening consumer demand. flag Companies plan a 12.6% rise in capital spending for the fiscal year ending March 2026, slightly above forecasts. flag Inflation expectations remain stable at 2.4%, and with inflation above target for over three years, markets widely expect the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates from 0.5% to 0.75% in its upcoming December meeting.

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