Economists warn seasonal factors may impact IPI data in Q1

PETALING JAYA: Local factory output as measured by the industrial production index (IPI) for the first quarter will be distorted by seasonal factors, say economists.

They cautioned that the production ramp-up before the Chinese lunar new year holidays could see January’s IPI figures rising when compared to the lacklustre performance of December, where factory output expanded 2.9%, lower than the forecast 4.6% and down from November’s 5%.