MNI DATA IMPACT: Japan Nov Industrial Output Weakened 0.9% M/M

     TOKYO (MNI) - Japan's industrial production fell 0.9% m/m in November with

both production activities and shipments slowing down, according to data

released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on Friday. 

     Here are key points in the data: 

--Industrial production decreased 0.9% m/m in November, an improvement from the

sharp 4.2% m/m drop recorded last month. 

     --Shipments fell 1.7%% m/m in November, following the 4.3% m/m fall in

October. The decrease was due to lower contributions from the automotive and

machinery industries.

     --Inventories decreased 1.1% m/m, erasing the 1.2% m/m gain last month. 

     --METI sees production rising 2.8% (revised up from 1.1%) in December

before rising 2.5% in January. 

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

--MNI Sydney Bureau; +61 405322399; email: lachlan.colquhoun.ext@marketnews.com

[TOPICS: M$A$$$,M$J$$$,M$U$$$,MT$$$$]