Summary Box: Japanese factory production has surprise gain in July; concerns about yen remain

Summary Box: Japanese factory output rises in July

JAPANESE PRODUCTION RISES: Japan’s factory output unexpectedly rose in July for the first time in two months, up 0.3 percent from June. Production of machinery, chemicals and paper rose despite signs of a slowing global economy. That beat forecasts for a 0.3 percent decline.

CONCERN ABOUT CURRENCY: The Japanese yen has shown surprising strength, hitting a 15-year high against the dollar last week. A rising yen saps profit from Japanese exporters in key markets like China and the U.S.

MIXED RETAIL SALES NEWS: Separately, the government trade ministry said retail sales in July rose 3.9 percent from a year earlier as unusually hot weather drove demand for seasonal products. But sales at large-scale retail outlets, including department stores, fell 0.9 percent.