Japan factory output, retail sales flat in September

Japan's factory output and retail sales were flat last month, data showed on Monday, painting a bleak picture for the world's number three economy as the central bank kicks off a policy meeting. Japan's third-quarter growth figures are due later this month. The government data on Monday showed Japan's industrial output for September was unchanged from the previous month, weighed by slower production of certain electronic components, according to the ministry of economy, trade and industry.