Japan industrial output, retail sales rise more-than expected in Nov

Reuters offers key details on the Japanese industrial output and retail sales data released earlier today, with the main points found below.

“Japan’s industrial output rose more than expected in November and companies forecast a further increase in December as robust overseas demand continues to support factory activity and broader economic growth.

The positive impulse was also seen in retail sales, which topped expectations last month as shoppers spent more on fuel, electronics, and cars in an encouraging sign for domestic demand.

The data support growing optimism among government officials and Bank of Japan policymakers that the economy can carry its recent run of strong growth into next year.

Industrial output rose in November due to increased production of memory chips, equipment used to make semiconductors, and heavy machinery used in construction.”