Japan's leading index experienced a greater-than-anticipated increase at the year's close, according to preliminary data released by the Cabinet Office on Friday.
In December, the leading index, an indicator of prospective economic activity, climbed to 108.9, up from a three-month low of 107.8 recorded in November. Analysts had projected the index to rise to 108.2.
Similarly, the coincident index, which reflects the current economic climate, advanced to 116.8, compared to 115.4 in the prior month.
Conversely, the lagging index saw a decline, falling to 107.7 in December from 108.1 in the preceding month.
