FX.co ★ Japan Leading Index Matches Estimates

Japan's leading economic index, a gauge forecasting economic prospects through metrics such as job offers and consumer sentiment, rose to 105.3 in May 2025, up from 104.2 in April. This earlier reading marked the lowest point since August 2020, aligning with market predictions based on preliminary data. The increase was bolstered by a significant rise in annual household spending, the fastest since August 2022. Additionally, consumer sentiment showed a moderate improvement, climbing to 32.8 in May from the previous month's low of 31.2, the lowest in over two years. In contrast, total employment reached an all-time low in May, even as the unemployment rate remained stable at 2.5%.