Japan’s factory output inched down again in December to cap a dismal quarter for the manufacturing sector, as policymakers look to improved consumption and net trade to fuel a rebound in the economy.
Industrial production shrank 0.1% from November, dragged down by boilers and precision measuring equipment, according to the industry ministry Tuesday. Economists had forecast a 1% decline. Output slid 2.8% from a year ago, less than analyst estimates.
