Japan’s leading index inched up in December, suggesting a modest strengthening in forward-looking economic conditions. The indicator rose to 111.0 in December 2025, compared with a previous reading of 110.2, according to data updated on 26 February 2026.
The leading index is closely watched as an early gauge of the country’s economic trajectory, reflecting trends in areas such as production, employment, and demand. The improvement from 110.2 to 111.0 indicates a slight uptick in momentum at the end of 2025, which may support a cautiously optimistic outlook for Japan’s near-term growth path.