Japan's factory output fell in September for the first time in four months as manufacturers took a hit from rising costs for raw materials and the global economic slowdown. The figure is likely to fall again next month before picking up in November, the government said.
In a brighter sign for the world's third-largest economy, retail sales grew for a seventh straight month, raising hopes for a sustainable boost in consumption after the easing of COVD-19-related border controls for foreign tourists earlier in October.
"While private consumption will continue its recovery from an easing COVID-19 situation and economic reopening, production may stall as worsening overseas economies hit Japanese exports," said Masato Koike, senior economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute.