TOKYO, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Japan's coincident index, which measures current economic conditions, rose to 116.8 in December, up 1.4 points from the previous month and marking the first increase in two months, data from the Cabinet Office showed Friday.

Strong exports to the United States, Europe, and Asia contributed to the rise, along with steady production of construction equipment such as cranes and excavators, according to the office.

Given the trends, the government maintained its economic assessment for the eighth consecutive month, stating that the economy is "showing signs of bottoming out."

The leading index, which forecasts future economic activity, rose by 1.1 points to 108.9, also marking its first increase in two months. Enditem

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