South korea: South Korea's industrial output declined in April compared to the previous month, as revealed by recent data. Retail sales and facility investment also experienced downturns, reflecting the economic uncertainties arising from tensions in the Middle East.

According to Yonhap News Agency, industrial production decreased by 0.6 percent in April from March, based on data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics. The mining and manufacturing sector, a crucial component of the economy, saw a 0.7 percent drop due to the underperformance of the automobile industry, which experienced a 10 percent reduction in output. Conversely, production in the chip sector increased by 3.1 percent.

Retail sales, an indicator of private spending, fell by 3.6 percent during the same period. Similarly, facility investment decreased by 3.6 percent, further highlighting the challenges faced by South Korea's economy amid external pressures.