Key points: Flash Japan Manufacturing PMI™ at 52.4 (50.5 in July). Modest improvement in growth registered in August. Flash Japan Manufacturing Output Index at 53.2 (49.8 in July). Output increased at solid pace. Amy Brownbill, Economist at Markit, which compiles the survey said: “Latest data registered a modest improvement in business conditions for Japanese manufacturers. Output and new orders rose sharply, with both recording the fastest increases since before the implementation of the higher sales tax. Payroll numbers returned to steady growth and the highest in the past three months. “It would seem that the ... (full story)