Domestic business confidence marked a new record high
～ Economic DI of 51.1, improvement for eight consecutive months ～
（Companies researched: 23,089 ; Valid responses: 10,161 ; Response rate: 44.0%; Survey start date: May 2002)
<Overview of January 2018: Expansion>
The economic diffusion index (DI) in January 2018 was 51.1, up 0.2 points from the previous month, and an improvement for eight consecutive months. This DI marks a record high since the commencement of the research in February 2002. (The highest DI in the past was 51.0 in March 2014). The domestic economy continued to expand through an increase in seasonal demand because of the cold snap, in addition to the strong manufacturing industry, especially of machinery.
<Future outlook: Expansion continues>
The expansion in the domestic economy is expected to continue, with a continuing strong corporate sector performance, such as in exports and capital investments.
