South Korea's Industrial output grows in July

South Korea's industrial output grew last month due to a solid production increase in the construction sector, offsetting declines in the manufacturing and service industries, a government report showed Friday. Production in all industries, including manufacturing, service, construction and public administration sectors, rose 0.3 percent in July from a month earlier, according to Statistics Korea. It was the first growth in three months. Output in the manufacturing and service industries reduced due to a rise in rainy days, but it was relieved by a gain in production of the construction sector. "Rising rainy days curbed consumption during the rainy season, but solid exports bolstered production," said Kim Jong-soo, an economist at NH Investment and Securities.