Japan big makers' sentiment worsens for 1st time in 4 quarters: BOJ

Business confidence among major Japanese manufacturers worsened for the first time in four quarters, falling to 11 in March from 13 three months earlier, after a sharp drop in the auto sector caused by production cuts, the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey showed Monday.But large nonmanufacturers, including the service sector, benefited from a revival of inbound tourism and the passing of higher costs on to consumers. The index improved for the eighth straight quarter to hit its highest level since 1991, rising to 34 from 32 in the previous survey in December.The Tankan index represents the per…READ FULL ARTICLE