TOKYO, March 12 (Xinhua) -- The business sentiment index (BSI) among Japan's large enterprises across all industries stood at plus 2.0 for the first quarter, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of positive sentiment, official data showed Wednesday.

The increase was driven by the non-manufacturing sector, which benefited from improved price pass-through, according to data from Japan's Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Finance.

The BSI for the non-manufacturing sector remained positive for the 10th straight quarter at plus 4.1, supported by rising customer numbers in the service industry and increased demand for software development and advertising revenue in the information and communications sector.

The manufacturing sector, however, saw a decline, with its BSI at minus 2.4, the first negative figure in three quarters. Rising raw material costs and increased consumer cost-consciousness contributed to a sharp drop in the food manufacturing industry.

Capital investment across all industries, including large and small businesses, is projected to rise 5.9 percent in fiscal 2025, with manufacturing leading the growth at 10.0 percent, the data showed. Enditem

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