Factory Output Soars in December

Washington, DC, Jan. 18, 2012 -- U.S. factory output surged in December on stronger demand for business equipment, vehicles and energy.

The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that manufacturing increased 0.9 percent in December, the biggest gain since December 2010.

The overall output of the nation's factories, mines and utilities grew 0.4 percent in December.

Industrial output is less than 5 percent below its pre-recession peak, reached in September 2007. It has increased more than 14 percent since hitting a recession low in June 2009.

Manufacturing activity remains nearly 8 percent below its pre-recession peak in July 2007. Yet it has increased almost 15 percent from its recession low.