The total value of machinery orders received by 280 manufacturers operating in Japan increased by 8.8% in December from the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis. In October-December period it rose by 14.9% compared with the previous quarter. Private-sector machinery orders, excluding volatile ones for ships and those from electric power companies, increased a seasonally adjusted by 5.2% in December, and showed rose by 16.8% in October-December period. In the January-March period the total amount of machinery orders was forecasted to decrease by 4.8% and private-sector orders, excluding volatile ones, were ... (full story)