-Ryan Wang, HSBC Securities
US industrial production rose more than expected in June on large gains in automotive manufacturing and utility output, reported the Federal Reserve, a sign that the economy was regaining momentum at the end of the second quarter. Industrial production, a broad gauge of output across American factories, mines and power plants, rose 0.6% month-on-month during the sixth month of year, compared to the 0.4% downturn seen in May, when it fell to red figures. Economist forecasted a 0.2% increase in June. It has shown halting signs of improvement after a downturn over the past 18 months caused by weak global demand, a strong dollar and the fall in oil prices.
However, manufacturing output rose 0.4% in June after an upwardly revised 0.3% fall in May, while production of consumer goods rose 1.1%. Output of automotive products jumped 5.9%, while machinery output was up 1.1%. Output of computers, electronics and appliances increased 1.5%. Moreover, with overall output up, the percentage of industrial capacity in use rose to 75.4% in June from an unrevised 74.9% in May. The Fed sees capacity use as a leading indicator in deciding how much further the economy can grow before sparking higher inflation.
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