Japan's factory activity growth hits near 3-1/2-year peak, PMI shows

TOKYO, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Japan's manufacturing activity grew at the fastest pace in about three and a half years in January, a ​private-sector survey showed, as strong customer demand drove an increase ‌in output and new orders. The S&P Global Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 51.5 in ‌January from 50.0 in December, the strongest level since August 2022. The 50.0 threshold separates expansion from contraction. "Japan's manufacturing industry propelled itself back into growth ...