by Calculated Risk on 12/26/2008 09:55:00 AM

From MarketWatch: Japan November industrial output falls 'off the cliff'

Japan's industrial output tumbled at a record pace in November, stoking fears the country's recession may stretch longer and be more painful than anticipated.

Industrial production fell as much as 8.1% in November from the previous month -- the biggest drop in the measure since the government started releasing comparable figures in 1953 -- as Japanese companies produced less automobiles and other machinery on vanishing demand.

The drop was steeper than the 6.8% fall expected by economists, and came after a 3.1% decline in October.

"Industrial production in Japan is falling off the cliff," wrote Merrill Lynch Economist Takuji Okubo ...

I think the proper phrase is "cliff diving".

Light posting today ... I'm traveling. Best to all.