Japanese industrial output rises

Japan’s government said industrial production rose 2.4% in October from the previous month.

The reading marks the first climb in two months, though the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry expects it to dip again in November. It describes industrial production as “flat”.

Japanese manufacturers have been contending with multiple headwinds including a strong yen and a weak global economy that threaten exports.

The ministry’s report said transport equipment, general machinery and chemicals drove October’s expansion in factory output.

Shipments rose 0.6% from September, and inventories climbed 0.8%.