Industrial output rose for the first time in six months, government data showed Thursday, beating the estimates of economists and indicating the economy may resume expanding possibly this quarter.
Factory production climbed 1.6 percent in March from February, when it dropped 9.4 percent, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said. Companies plan to increase output in April and May to replenish inventories that fell 3.3 percent in March.
Stocks rose on speculation that the worst of the recession may be over as U.S. consumers increase spending and stimulus packages in Japan and abroad take effect. Still, the slump that started with a collapse in exports may spread to households as companies cut jobs and wages.