U.S. Industrial Production Rose in July as Auto Plants Opened

"U.S. industrial production rose for the first time in nine months in July after mid-year retooling at automakers and as a federal “cash-for-clunkers” program spurred demand for cars.The 0.5 percent increase in output at manufacturers, mines and utilities was more than forecast and followed a 0.4 percent decline in June, Federal Reserve figures showed today in Washington. Capacity utilization, the proportion of plants in use, rose from its lowest since record-keeping began in 1967.