Malaysia Production Slows Down

Malaysia’s industrial production rose at a slower-than-expected pace in April driven mostly by the manufacturing sector, while mining and electricity output declined, Nikkei reported. The industrial production index—a measure of output from mines, power plants and factories—gained 4.2% in April from a year earlier, the Department of Statistics said. The median forecast in a Nikkei Market’s poll was for a 4.7% year-over-year increase. In March, the index had risen 4.6% from a year earlier. Economists said Friday’s official data indicated robust manufacturing activities that could continue in the months ahead, helping to cushion sluggishness in oil production that will weigh down the mining sector.