Japan's Industrial Production Falls For Fifth Month

TOKYO -- Industrial production in Japan fell for a fifth month in a row, down 9.4% in February from the previous month, to stand at 68.7, according to data released Monday from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The seasonally adjusted index was down 38.4% from the previous year. Shipments were at 70.9, down 6.8% from a month ago. However, production is expected to increase 2.9% in March and to rise 3.1% in April, according to the Survey of Production Forecast in Manufacturing, the ministry said.