Japan's industrial output stalled in September in a worrying sign that the economy may be losing some momentum due to weak consumer spending and exports.

Separate data showed retail sales fell more than expected in September, further evidence that private consumption remains a drag on growth.

Industrial output was unchanged in September from the previous month. That compares with the median estimate in a Reuters poll of a 1.0 percent increase and followed a 1.3 percent increase in August, data by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry showed on Monday.

Lackluster factory output, along with other data showing weak consumption and falling consumer prices could heighten expectations that the Bank of Japan will yet again push back the timing of its price target.

Industrial output was flat in September as declines in semiconductor and personal computer production offset gains in autos and construction equipment.

Manufacturers surveyed by the ministry expect output to rise 1.1 percent in October and gain 2.1 percent in November, but their forecasts are often overly optimistic.

Retail sales fell 1.9 percent in September from a year earlier, slightly more than a median market forecast for a 1.8 percent decline, separate data from the trade ministry showed.