Japan big makers confidence improves in Dec., supporting BOJ rate hike bets

Business confidence among major Japanese manufacturers improved for the third consecutive quarter in December, the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey showed Monday, supporting expectations of an interest rate hike by the central bank later this week.Reflecting easing uncertainty over higher U.S. tariffs, the index measuring confidence among companies such as those in the auto and electronics sectors rose from 14 three months earlier to 15, the highest level since December 2021, matching the average market forecast in a Kyodo News tally.The index for large nonmanufacturers, including the service …READ FULL ARTICLE