FX.co ★ Japan’s December Leading Index Accelerates to 1.1% MoM, Up from 0.3% in January

Japan’s leading economic index showed a stronger signal of momentum at the end of 2025, with the indicator rising 1.1% month-over-month in December 2025, up from a revised 0.3% increase recorded in January 2026. The latest data, updated on 26 February 2026, indicate a firming pace in forward-looking economic activity.

On a month-over-month basis, the “actual” reading for December reflects a notably faster gain compared with the previous month’s change, which had stood at 0.3%. As defined, the comparison is made between each month and its immediately preceding month, helping investors and policymakers gauge short-term shifts in economic direction.

The acceleration in the leading index suggests improving conditions in indicators that tend to move ahead of the broader economy, although the report provides no further breakdown of the underlying components. Market participants will watch upcoming releases closely to see whether this stronger December print marks the start of a sustained uptrend or a short-lived rebound.