(2nd LD) Sept. industrial output growth hits 15-yr high on chips; retail sales, investment also up

What happened: South Korea's September industrial output rose 3 percent on-month, the sharpest gain since March 2011, led by semiconductor production. Retail sales and facility investment also increased. Key numbers: Industrial production up 3 percent on-month. Why it matters: The finance ministry expects industrial output to keep an upward trend on solid consumption, business sentiment and exports, but cited high oil prices, global rate hikes and U.S. midterm election uncertainty as risks.

South Korea's September industrial output rose 3 percent on-month, the sharpest gain since March 2011, led by semiconductor production. Retail sales and facility investment also increased.

The finance ministry expects industrial output to keep an upward trend on solid consumption, business sentiment and exports, but cited high oil prices, global rate hikes and U.S. midterm election uncertainty as risks.