Economy

US Production and Capacity Utilization Rise in November
Written by Sandy Williams
December 16, 2013
U.S. industrial production jumped 1.1 percent in November after inching up a revised 0.1 percent in October, according to information released by the Federal Reserve Board on Dec. 16. Manufacturing output increased 0.6 percent for its fourth consecutive monthly gain.
Utilities saw a surge of 3.9 percent as winter weather boosted demand for heating. Automobile vehicle and parts production increased 3.4 percent after sliding 1.3 percent in October. Durable goods were up by 0.8 percent for the month. Mining production turned around in November, advancing 1.7 percent after a decline of 1.5 percent in October. Declines of 0.2 percent were seen for primary metals, machinery, computers and electronic products, aerospace and miscellaneous transportation equipment. Wood products, fabricated metals and appliances were up 1 percent or more.
Total industrial production climbed 3.2 percent year-over-year, surpassing its prerecession peak of December 2007 and climbing 21 percent from its lowest point in June 2009.
Capacity utilization for the industrial sector was 79.0 percent, an increase of 0.8 percent from the preceding month and 1.8 percent year-over-year. The jump exceeded analyst expectations of 78.4 percent.
Overall, the statistics indicate a healthy month for industrial production in November.

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy

ISM September survey captures deepening manufacturing gloom
The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) latest monthly report on manufacturing reflects a bleak view of American industry in September.

Key industries concerned over government shutdown’s impact on steel, manufacturing
Trade groups cautioned that a prolonged shutdown could strain US industry.

Chicago Business Barometer catches cold winds of contraction in September
The Chicago Business Barometer's September reading indicates a softening in overall business activity in the Midwest for the third consecutive month, with new orders and backlogs retreating further.

Metalforming market sentiment takes a dive in September: PMA
Metalforming manufacturers anticipate a decrease in near-term conditions, according to the Precision Metalforming Association's (PMA) Business Conditions Report for September.

AIA: Architecture firms still under pressure
Architecture firms reported a modest improvement in billings through August, yet business conditions remained soft, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) release from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek.