The possible contraction in manufacturing "may boost investors' expectations that China will step up its stimulus measures to expand domestic demand"
- Kaori Murai, a strategist at Okasan Securities Co.
Japanese stocks rose on Thursday, after a report showed China's manufacturing activity may contract further in August, boosting hopes for stimulus.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 0.51 per cent, or 46.38 points, to 9,178.12. The broader Topix Index rose 0.24 per cent, or 1.86, to 764.59.
The possible contraction in manufacturing "may boost investors' expectations that China will step up its stimulus measures to expand domestic demand," said Kaori Murai, a strategist at Okasan Securities Co.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is set to release retail sales data next Thursday. Year-on-year sales climbed 0.2 per cent in June after gaining 3.6 per cent in May.
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