TOKYO (AP) - Japanese industrial output fell 0.4 percent in May from April, marking the third straight monthly decline, the government said Thursday.
The result was worse than the average forecast of economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires and Nikkei News for a 0.8 percent increase after adjustment for seasonal factors.
Output dropped 0.2 percent in April and 0.3 percent in March, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
However, the trade ministry also said manufacturers polled expect output will rise 1.9 percent on month in June and another 1.7 percent in July.
