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Data from FMP. Forecasts by Sigmanomics Forecast Engine.
JapanJapan Capacity Utilization climbed to -0.8% in April 2026
FMPMonthlyReleased June 2026
Japan Capacity Utilization climbed to -0.8% in April 2026, released June 2026, up 0.4% from March's -1.2% reading. The reading missed the 2.0% consensus by 2.8%. The print is running well below the 12-month average of 0.13%. Over the past 3 months, Capacity Utilization averaged 0.53%, vs -2.0% in the prior 3-month window. The reading is in the 44th percentile of the trailing 24-month range.
Latest Release
-0.8
Actual
2
Consensus
-1.2
Previous
Median Absolute Error
±2.59 percentage points
across last 12 releases
Last Call
Jun 2026
Predicted: 2.08
Actual: -0.8
Error: +2.88
Sigmacast Σ-direction model: consensus + ½ × mean(surprise, trailing 90d).
CORRELATED SYMBOLS— markets that historically move with this indicator
| Symbol | Direction | Correlation | Asset Class | Signal Bias | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/JPY | ▲ Direct | +0.49 | FOREX | Bullish USD | → View |
| XAU/USD | ▼ Inverse | −0.31 | COMMODITIES | Bearish XAU | → View |
| GBP/JPY | ▲ Direct | +0.26 | FOREX | Bullish GBP | → View |
Correlation based on 12-month rolling window. Click any symbol to view its Sigmanomics forecast page.
THE RELEASE
Capacity Utilization (Japan) was reported at -0.8% in June 2026. This missed the market consensus of 2% by 2.8%. The reading rose from the previous value of -1.2%. Trailing 12-month context per ETL data through June 2026. Over the past 12 months, the indicator has averaged -0.05%, ranging from -5.3% to 3.3% across 11 releases.
WHY IT MATTERS
The trailing three releases averaged 0.3%, up from the prior three at -0.23%.
THE MODEL'S TAKE
Historically, this indicator is positively correlated with USD/JPY (Bullish USD). A secondary relationship exists with XAU/USD, negatively correlated (Bearish XAU). Over the last 12 releases, the Sigmacast model's median absolute error is 2.59%.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
The next release is scheduled for July 14, 2026. Same-country events in the next 14 days include Core Inflation Rate YoY (Jun 18) and Inflation Rate YoY (Jun 18).
Auto-generated from current model state · Refreshes on each release · Last update June 2026.
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Capacity Utilization - JP
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About Capacity Utilization — Japan
DEFINITION
Capacity Utilization is a financial indicator that measures the extent to which a company or industry is utilizing its maximum production capacity. It is calculated by dividing the actual output by the potential output and is expressed as a percentage. This indicator provides valuable insights into the efficiency and productivity of a business, as well as its potential for growth and expansion. A high capacity utilization rate indicates that a company is operating at optimal levels, while a low rate may suggest room for improvement and potential cost savings. Overall, capacity utilization is a key metric for assessing the overall health and performance of a company or industry.
WHY THIS INDICATOR MATTERS
This release contributes to the broader macro picture used by cross-asset investors for positioning and risk management. The release is more useful as part of a longer-run signal than as a single-print catalyst. Released monthly.
WHAT CHANGED THIS MONTH
Latest reading (Apr 2026): actual -0.8 %, consensus 2 %. Prior reading (Mar 2026): -1.2 %. Before that (Feb 2026): -0.1 %.
WHAT'S NEXT
Sigmacast's 1-month forecast points to a materially lower reading versus the latest print, with the 3-month outlook reinforcing that direction. Both horizons are aligned bearish for this indicator, suggesting a consistent trend signal. Trend-driven dynamics are the primary headwind in the current projection. This indicator correlates most strongly with USD/JPY (Bullish USD, r=0.49) — a useful reference for forex-focused traders.