Japan may duck economic recession in last quarter

Tokyo

FEARS that the economic recession in Japan could be extended into the final three months of this year eased somewhat on Monday, with the release of official data showing that industrial output rose for a second consecutive month in October, and that retail sales rose more sharply than expected during the month.

Factory output rose by 1.4 per cent in October from its September level, rising for a second consecutive month for the first time this year, while retail sales in Japan increased by a stronger-than-expected 1.8 per cent compared with a year ago.