Japan's factory output rises 1% in December

[TOKYO] Japan's industrial output rose 1.0 per cent in December from the previous month, government data showed on Friday, a sign the economy is gradually emerging from the doldrums.

The rise compared with a median market forecast for a 1.3 per cent increase.

Manufacturers surveyed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry expect output to rise 6.3 per cent in January and decline 1.8 per cent in February.

REUTERS