TOKYO (AFP) - The Bank of Japan on Friday struck a slightly more upbeat view of the world's number three economy, saying exports were showing signs of picking up while factory output has started to "bottom out".

The comments came after policymakers wrapped up a two-day meeting where they decided to hold off fresh easing measures, after announcing in late October a huge expansion of the BoJ's asset-buying programme.

Focus will now turn to bank governor Haruhiko Kuroda's regular post-meeting news briefing later in the day for any hints about policy moves in the new year.