Sentiment on the current state of the economy among people who deal directly with consumers improved in August to a 16-month high, according to a government survey released Monday.
The diffusion index of current economic conditions among the "economy watchers" rose 1.5 points from July to 46.4 for the third straight monthly increase, with its three sub-indexes for household spending, corporate activity and employment all rising, the Cabinet Office said.
The 46.4 reading is the highest since April 2002.