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The numbers: Industrial production surged 1.4% in January, after a slight 0.1% decline in the prior month, the Federal Reserve reported Wednesday.
The gain was well above Wall Street expectations of a 0.5% gain, according to a survey by The Wall Street Journal.
Capacity utilization jumped to 77.6% in January from 76.6% in the prior month. The capacity utilization rate reflects the limits to operating the nation’s factories, mines and utilities. It is the highest rate since early 2019.
Economists had forecast a 76.7% rate.
Key details: Manufacturing rose 0.2% in January after a slight 0.1% fall in the prior month.
Motor vehicles and parts output fell 0.9% after a 0.4% fall in the prior month. Excluding autos, total industrial output increased 1.5%.
Utilities output surged 9.9% in January as cold weather returned across the country. Mining output, which includes oil and natural gas, rose 1% after a 1.5% gain in the prior month.
Big picture: Manufacturing has been on solid footing as factory owners were able to establish effective coronavirus protocols, but supply-chain woes and shortages continue to bedevil the sector.
Market reaction: Stocks
DJIA,
SPX,
were set to open lower Wednesday on concerns about Russia’s troop buildup around Ukraine.
