TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s factory output rose 2.5% in February from the previous month, slightly better than a median market forecast for a 2.3% rise, government data showed on Monday.
Manufacturers surveyed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry expect seasonally adjusted output to increase 0.6% in March and edge up 0.1% in April.
Separate data showed Japanese retail sales rose 1.4% in February from a year earlier, less than a median market forecast for a 2.0% rise.
(Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama; Editing by Kim Coghill)
