Wednesday, 01 Apr 2020 10:35 AM MYT
TOKYO, April 1 — Confidence among Japan's biggest manufacturers has plunged into negative territory for the first time in seven years, a key survey showed today as the coronavirus pandemic hits demand and disrupts production. The short-term business sentiment survey reports the difference between the percentage of firms that are upbeat and those that see conditions as unfavourable.
The index for non-manufacturers fell to plus 8 from 20 in the December 2019 survey as the virus also hit tourism, entertainment and other service industries.