(CN) – The Federal Reserve said Friday that U.S. manufacturing output increased 1.1 percent in December, the biggest jump in 10 months, fueling an uptick in overall industrial production.
A new report shows a 4.7 percent increase in automotive manufacturing was behind the surge, while mining output grew by 1.5 percent and the utility index dropped 6.3 percent because of a warmer than expected holiday season.
U.S. industrial production grew 0.3 percent last month, and is up 4 percent from a year ago.
December’s growth in manufacturing was the largest gain since last February, marking a strong finish to 2018.
Overall auto sales last year increased 0.3 percent compared to 2017.
Friday’s report suggests concerns about a global economic slowdown and a trade war between the U.S. and China have not yet had a negative impact on manufacturing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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