Japan's February output decline bigger than forecast

Japan's industrial output fell a larger-than-expected 3.4 percent in February from the previous month, the government said Monday, signaling the economy is still struggling to fully recover following last year's sales tax hike.
The seasonally adjusted figure compares to an average market expectation of a 1.8 percent drop and follows a 3.7 percent increase in January, according to Japan's (Kyodo) News Agency.
The index of output at factories and mines stood at 98.9 against the base of 100 in 2010, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry said in a preliminary report. The ministry maintained its basic assessment of output, saying it is "showing signs of increase at a moderate pace."