1.   A recession is by definition two consecutive quarters during which the value of economic output declines, but it falls to the bureau to make the official call.

2.   The housing market tends to slow in poor weather as construction output declines and less people move house.

3.   The beverage and basic metals sectors also posted double digit output declines.

4.   Company officials refused to comment on output declines.

5.   Pamela Wong, an economist with Standard and Poors MMS International, said the output decline was lower than analysts had forecast.