TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's factory output fell 7.5% in January from the previous month, compared with the median market forecast for a 7.3% drop, government data showed on Thursday.
Manufacturers surveyed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry expect seasonally adjusted output to increase 4.8% in February and rise 2.0% in March.
Separate data showed Japanese retail sales rose 2.3% in January from a year earlier, government data showed, marking a 23rd straight month of increase.
It was in line with the median market forecast for a 2.3% rise.
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