U.s. Factory Output | featured news

U.S. factory orders increased in December even though companies trimmed their orders for goods that signal investment plans.

A monthly manufacturing survey from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) released Monday morning shows the factory sector is still growing, albeit modestly.

Strong auto production drove factory output higher for a second straight month in August. But manufacturing was otherwise weak last month, a troubling sign for the economy.

US factory output increased at its fastest pace in seven years last month, the Institute for Supply Management says.