BERLIN (AP) — German industrial production rose more weakly than expected in October following a significant decline the previous month.

The Economy Ministry said Wednesday that production in Europe's biggest economy was up 0.3 percent compared with September, well below the 0.8 percent economists had predicted. In September, production was down 1.6 percent — revised from the initial reading of a 1.8 percent drop.

The rise was led by a strong pick-up in the construction sector.

The disappointing production figure came a day after factory orders figures for October far exceeded expectations, posting a 4.9 percent gain over the previous month thanks to a strong increase in orders for investment goods such as machinery.