Italian Index Shows Rise in Industrial Output

Italy’s unadjusted index of industrial production rose 7.8% in April over a year ago and was up 1.5% in the first four months of 1985 from the January-April period in 1984, the state statistical institute, Istat, reported.

The index registered 96.5 in April, compared to 89.5 in April, 1984. The index has a 1980 base of 100.

The latest reading was based on 20 working days in April, compared to 19 working days in the same 1984 month, Istat said.

Istat also explained that industrial output in April, 1984, had been depressed by a string of holidays in the last part of the month.

The adjusted index for April stood at 96.7, compared to 98.2 in March and 97.6 in February.