Japan’s factory output has jumped at its fastest rate in more than 50 years, but higher unemployment figures have dampened hope of an early recovery. Output rose by 5.2% in April from the previous month, the biggest monthly gain since 1953, official figures show.

The much bigger-than-expected rise is the second monthly increase in industrial production in a row.

However, separate figures showing unemployment hitting a five-year high dampened much of the optimism. The jobless rate hit 5% in April, up from 4.8% in March.