U.S. Factory Output Likely Rose in July as Auto Plants Reopened

U.S. industrial production probably rose for the first time in nine months after mid-year retooling at automakers and as a federal “cash-for-clunkers” program spurred demand for cars, economists said before reports today. Output at manufacturers, mines and utilities climbed 0.4 percent, erasing the previous month’s decline, according to the median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey ahead of today’s report from the Federal Reserve. Other data may show the cost of living was unchanged in July while consumer confidence rose this month.