(Corrects to restore dropped word 'flat' in lead paragraph)By Makiko YamazakiTOKYO, June 1 : Japanese companies' annual spending on plant and equipment remained almost flat in the first quarter, data showed on Monday, pausing after a year of strong growth as concerns mount over the impact of the Middl

TOKYO, June 1 : Japan's manufacturing sector expanded in May at a slightly slower pace, as record export order growth was offset by surging costs driven by the Middle East war and…

(Corrects to restore dropped word 'flat' in lead paragraph)By Makiko YamazakiTOKYO, June 1 : Japanese companies' annual spending on plant and equipment remained almost flat in the…

TOKYO, June 1 : Japanese companies' pace of annual spending on plant and equipment stalled in the first quarter after a year of strong expansion, likely prompting a downgrade to…