South Korea industrial output gains 3% in September on chip production

South Korea's industrial output expanded 3% on-month in September, marking the fastest pace in over 15 years and the first simultaneous increase in industrial production, retail sales, and facility investment since June. The surge was largely propelled by a 19.2% jump in semiconductor production, the largest since February, attributed to increased memory chip output. The automobile sector also saw a significant boost with a 39.9% increase in output following the end of strikes and summer vacations. Retail sales climbed 3.6% and facility investment rose 5.3% during the same period.