proved an outlier as service sector activity expanded there at its quickest pace in three months, underpinned by robust consumer spending as inbound tourism regained momentum.
That was below the 50 mark separating growth from contraction for a third month and weaker than a preliminary estimate for 47.0. "The final PMIs published today were revised down from the already-low levels reported in the flash measure two weeks ago. We continue to forecast a recession in the second half of the year," said Adrian Prettejohn at Capital Economics.
Chinese stocks fell after the survey, while optimism spurred by Beijing's latest stimulus measures also dimmed.Japan's PMI bucked the trend and rose to 54.3 last month from 53.8.