Mark Szakonyi, Daily Content Editor | Jan 18, 2012 12:06PM EST
U.S. industrial output in December bounced back at 0.4 percent year-over-year, as manufacturing production rose 0.9 percent, the briskest pace in a year, the Federal Reserve said.
Industrial production fell 0.3 percent in November, with production at factories, mines and utilities falling 0.4 percent, according to revised figures. The surge in industrial output in December parallels the recent increases in intermodal rail and carload traffic, suggesting manufacturers and retailers aren't finished with post-holiday restocking.
Motor vehicle and auto part production rose 0.6 percent year-over-year after falling 2.6 percent in November, the Federal Reserve said. Manufacturing excluding autos and parts ticked up 1 percent in January after falling 0.2 percent in the month prior.
High tech good product rose 0.6 percent last month after dropping 0.3 percent in November. Manufacturing capacity utilization expanded to 75.9 percent from 75.3 in November.
-- Contact Mark Szakonyi at mszakonyi@joc.com. Follow him on Twitter @Szakonyi_JOC
