OECD inflation rises

PARIS: Inflation over 12 months in the 30 countries covered by the OECD edged up to 2.7 per cent in April from 2.6 per cent in March. Consumer prices had risen by 0.7 percentage points between March and April. In the 12 months to April, consumer prices for energy rose by 13.1 per cent from 12.8 per cent. — AFP

Japan’s output grows

TOKYO: Japan’s industrial output rose by 1.5 per cent in April from the previous month, a second consecutive monthly gain and roughly in line with market expectations. However, Japan’s unemployment rate held steady at a seven-year low of 4.1 per cent in April. — AFP