Brazil production down in September
Industrial production in Brazil fell 2 per cent in September from the previous month, the government’s statistics agency said, suggesting that economic growth slowed markedly in the third quarter.

Output climbed just 0.2 per cent in September from the same month a year ago, the worst year-on-year result since September 2003. So far this year industrial output has risen 3.8 per cent compared with the same period in 2004. In the 12 months through September, production is up 4.4 per cent compared with the same year-earlier period.

German output up
German industrial output rose for the third time in four months in September, increasing by a bigger-than-expected 1.2 per cent month-on-month, preliminary Economy and Labour Ministry data showed.
The seasonally-adjusted rise beat the forecast for an increase of 0.9 per cent from August. In a statement, the ministry said that with orders strong and German firms apparently coping well with high oil prices, coming months should also see a further increase in output.

French optimistic
French business leaders are slightly more optimistic about their prospects thanks to fatter order books that are a good sign for overall economic growth, economists said.
The increased confidence, coupled with a decline in joblessness and solid consumer spending, shows that “the French economy is emerging from the tunnel,” said economist Marc Touati of Natexis Banques Populaires.
The national statistics institute INSEE reported that an index measuring business confidence rose to 102 in October from 100 in September on the strength of robust demand.

Warm bra
A Japanese lingerie maker has unveiled a bra that promises to keep woman warm and eco-friendly. Triumph International modeled the bra, which has launched a “Warm Biz” campaign urging people to bundle up to save on heating. The bra pads are filled with an eco-friendly, reusable gel that can be heated up in a microwave or with hot water. But the bra isn’t for those favouring understated attire. A long strap flows down from the back, which is meant to be wrapped around like a boa to keep one’s neck warm. But for the time being, the bra, which comes with matching shorts, won’t be in stores, with the lingerie maker instead using the technology to develop other warm clothing.