Japan’s S&P Global Services PMI eased to 52.8 in March 2026 from a final 53.8 in February, preliminary data showed. This was the weakest reading since December and partly reflected worries over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. New orders grew at their slowest pace since October, while foreign demand rose only marginally despite a slight improvement. Employment growth also lost momentum over the month. On the price front, input cost inflation picked up, but output charges increased more modestly. At the same time, business confidence weakened, weighed down by elevated geopolitical risks and persistent uncertainty.