Fed: US Manufacturing Production Flat In November

Overall U.S. industrial production saw its worst month in nearly four years after a 0.6 decline in November.

(AP Photo)
(AP Photo)

U.S. manufacturing production remained flat in November as output of durable goods declined slightly, according to data released Wednesday by the Federal Reserve.

Durable goods fell by 0.2 percent from revised October numbers, with losses of 1 percent or more in the motor vehicle, electrical equipment and primary metals segments.

Most non-durable goods segments, meanwhile, saw increased production, led by the food, beverage and tobacco sector.

Manufacturing output increased by 0.3 percent in October, but other indicators reflected largely stagnant industrial activity in recent months. Manufacturing capacity utilization also remained more than 2 percentage points below average in November.

Mining output declined 1.1 percent compared to October and more than 8 percent compared to November 2014 due to the impact of low crude prices on the oil and gas segment.

Overall U.S. industrial production saw its worst month in nearly four years after a 0.6 decline in November, the largest since March 2012.

Nonetheless, the Fed also took the long-anticipated step Wednesday of hiking interest rates for the first time since 2006. The move was considered likely after another round of strong hiring numbers in October.

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