Japan's factory activity stays firm as output surges in July, PMI shows

TOKYO, July 24 : Japan's manufacturing activity remained broadly firm in July with output rising at its fastest rate since February 2014, while uncertainty about the Middle East situation continued to weigh on firms, a business survey showed on Friday.• The S&P Global flash Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) came in at 54.7 in July, slightly softer than 54.8 in June. A reading above 50.0 indicates expansion, while below that level signals contraction.• A key sub-index for factory output accelerated further, with the index climbing to its highest level since February 2014. Manufacturers also recorded the sharpest increase in new orders in just over five years, helping drive a moderate expansion in overall new business.• Service sector growth softened, with the flash servic