MNI 5 THINGS: Japan Dec Indus Output -0.1% M/M: METI

--Japan METI Forecast Index: Jan Output -0.1% M/M, Feb +2.6%

--METI: Jan Output F'cast Adjusted For Upward Bias -2.3% M/M

--METI Keeps View Factory Output Picking Up Moderately

     TOKYO(MNI) - Japan's industrial production recovered somewhat in December,

although still recording a second straight monthly fall, preliminary data

released Thursday by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry showed.

     Here are five key points: 

--Industrial production fell 0.1% m/m in December, up from -1.1% m/m reported in

November and close to an MNI forecast projected for a 0.3% drop. The production

index for 2018 stood at 104.1, with the forth quarter index at 105.1, the

highest in the year. METI maintained their view -- "factory output picking up

moderately", previously it had said "weakness is seen in some areas."

     --Output in 6 out of 15 industries declined month-on-month. Drops in

general purpose and commercial machinery industries, electronic parts and device

industries and the automobile industry largely contributed to the reduction.

     --Shipments rose for the first time in two months, up 0.3% m/m after -1.4%

drop last month, led by higher automobiles production as well as general

equipment and electronic machinery output.

     --Inventories increased for a second month by 1.0% m/m in December. Ten out

of 12 industries have seen the inventory growth, which could indicate a stronger

production and demands. 

     --Industrial production may fall 0.1% on month in January (the growth was

revised up from -0.8% in the previous forecast), and rise 2.6% m/m in February,

METI said.

--MNI Beijing Bureau; tel: +86 (10) 8532-5998; email: flora.guo@marketnews.com

--MNI London Bureau; tel: +44 203-586-2225; email: les.commons@marketnews.com

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