Japan's factory output up

Japan's industrial output rose by 1.5 percent in April from the previous month, a second consecutive monthly gain and roughly in line with market expectations, official figures showed Tuesday.

Year-on-year, output was up 3.8 percent, the trade ministry said.

The market had been expecting a 1.6 percent month-on-month gain after a rise of 0.2 percent in March.

April shipments by manufacturing and mining companies increased by 2.6 percent from March while inventory stockpiles edged down 0.1 percent.