Optimism among Japan manufacturers highest in a decade

Tokyo

CONFIDENCE at Japanese manufacturers rose to its highest level in a decade in August, led by materials producers, a Reuters poll showed, a further sign of broadening recovery in the economy.

The monthly poll - which tracks the Bank of Japan's closely watched quarterly tankan - found the service sector's mood fell but still remained at a relatively high level, underscoring firmness in domestic demand, which drove an expansion in the second quarter.