Factory Output Declines in May

Washington, DC, June 15, 2012 -- U.S. factory output declined in May from April, mostly due to slower production of autos, according to the Federal Reserve.

Automakers cut back on output for the first time in six months.

The government said Friday that factory output fell 0.4% last month, after increasing 0.7% in April.

Auto production fell 1.5%, the first drop since November. Auto sales rose briskly earlier this year but slowed in May.

Overall industrial production decreased 0.1%, after a 1% rise in April.