Preliminary industrial production data released Friday by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: FACTORS: Japan's industrial production rose 4.0% on month in January, much higher than the MNI median economist forecast of +2.9%. The index stood at 102.6 (100.0 for 2010) in January, the highest level since 103.9 in January 2014. Factory output, which reflects the current economic climate, posted the second straight rise after rising 0.8% in December, thanks to stronger output of general and production machinery including chip-producing machinery and transportation vehicles such as passenger cars. Firm growth in ... (full story)