U.S. Industrial Production Rises in December

Industrial production in the United States grew during December for the eighth consecutive months, data showed on Friday.

Factory output increased by 0.9% last month compared with a 0.8% rise in November, according to data by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Total industrial production surged by 1.6% in December, recording its biggest expansion in five months, with the November revised reading showing a 0.5% increase.

During the fourth quarter (Q4) of last year, manufacturing production rose by 11.2% on an annual basis.

Meanwhile, manufacturing capacity utilization went up to 73.4% from 72.7% in November.

The total industrial capacity utilization leveled up to 74.5% from 73.4%.