CHINA

Output Growth Eases: The State Statistical Bureau said industrial output growth slowed to 16.4% in October from 30.2% in June, according to the China News Service. The country’s industrial output growth has been tapering steadily, posting rates of 25.1% in July, 23.4% in August and 19.1% in September, the agency said. Vice Premier Zhu Rongji in July tried to cool the overheating economy through the introduction of an austerity program that included a rein on speculative loans, a curb on the money supply and a program to overhaul the country’s banking system.