Japan leading index hits lowest level since 2014 in August

Japan’s leading index, which tracks the future economic activity in the country, dropped to its lowest level since 2014 in August, data released on Wednesday showed.

According to a preliminary reading from the Cabinet Office, the leading index declined from 105.0 in July to 103.5 in August, its lowest level in 15 months, although the figure remained slightly above analysts’ forecast of 103.4.

Meanwhile, the coincident index, which indicates the current economic activity, decline from 113.1 in July to 112.5 in August, marginally above the 112.3 consensus reading.

The lagging index, which tracks past economic activity, declined from 116.0 to 115.2.