Manufacturing Production in U.S. Increases by Most Since July

[Purveyor]

Source: Bloomberg

By Sho Chandra
February 17, 2016 — 9:15 AM EST

* Consumer-goods output posts biggest advance in six months

* Colder weather propels utility output by most since 2009

U.S. manufacturing output rose in January by the most since July 2015, a sign the industry was starting to stabilize at the beginning of the year.

The 0.5 percent advance at factories, which make up 75 percent of all production, followed a 0.2 percent decrease the prior month, a Federal Reserve report showed Wednesday. Total output, which also includes mines and utilities, jumped a larger-than-projected 0.9 percent.

Factory production was boosted by the biggest gain in the output of consumer goods since July on increases in both durables and nondurables. The improvement indicates the worst of the drag from a stronger dollar, malaise in overseas markets and less spending in the energy sector may be starting to diminish.

“It looks like we’re getting some stabilization,” said Jacob Oubina, a senior U.S. economist at RBC Capital Markets LLC in New York. “The commodity-related headwinds to manufacturing are seemingly dissipating.”

Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-17/manufacturing-output-in-u-s-rises-by-most-since-july-2015

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. December 1, 2015: Manufacturing in U.S. Contracts at Fastest Pace Since 2009

Manufacturing in U.S. Contracts at Fastest Pace Since 2009

Source: Bloomberg Business, Manufacturing in U.S. Contracts at Fastest Pace Since 2009

by Victoria Stilwell

December 1, 2015 — 10:00 AM EST Updated on December 1, 2015 — 11:01 AM EST

Manufacturing in the U.S. unexpectedly contracted in November at the fastest pace since the last recession as elevated inventories led to cutbacks in orders and production.

The Institute for Supply Management’s index dropped to 48.6, the lowest level since June 2009, from 50.1 in October, a report from the Tempe, Arizona-based group showed Tuesday. The November figure was weaker than the most pessimistic forecast in a Bloomberg survey. Readings less than 50 indicate contraction.

The report showed factories believed their customers continued to have too many goods on hand, indicating it will take time for orders and production to stabilize. Manufacturers, which account for almost 12 percent of the economy, are also battling weak global demand, an appreciating dollar and less capital spending in the energy sector.

Where is this month's figure from, the Department of Commerce?

Thanks for the thread.

[Igel]

2. You gotta smooth the curve.

Sometimes if your data are too granular you confuse signal for noise.

[elleng]

3. Glad you're watching this

(with me and others!)