Japan’s factory activity growth slows in September, PMI shows

TOKYO, Sept 24 (Reuters) Japan s manufacturing activity rose at a slower pace in September from the previous month as output and new orders softened, while solid ​overseas demand helped firms activity, a private-sector survey ‌showed on Thursday. • The S P Global flash Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell to 54.1 in September from 54.9 in August. A reading above 50.0 indicates expansion in activity, while below that level signals ‌contraction. • ​A key sub-index for factory output ⁠rose at the slowest ⁠pace in three months and new orders grew at the weakest rate in four months, though both expanded for a ninth straight month. • New export orders remained a ​bright spot with continued strength in overseas demand. • Manufacturing employment posted another solid gain, helping drive the fastest ⁠pace of private-sector payroll growth in ⁠seven months. • Manufacturers confidence in business outlook hit ​its highest level since February, with firms pointing to sustain