Japan factory activity shrinks at quickest pace since 2016 in October - flash PMI

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese factory activity shrank at the fastest pace in over three years in October, largely hurt by slumping new orders and output, in yet another sign of broadening economic cracks in the face of slowing global demand and trade frictions.The weak reading adds to pressure on the government and the central bank to take steps to shield the economy from heightening risks to the outlook from a Sino-U.S. trade dispute, slowing global growth and a sales tax hike at home.The Jibun..