In October, total industrial production(IP) edged down 0.1 percent compared with September. Led by a 0.3 percent rise in the production of nondurable goods, manufacturing production rose 0.2 percent compared with September but was eclipsed by losses in mining and utilities. Mining production fell 0.9 percent and utility production decreased 0.7 percent compared with the previous month. Production of business equipment increased 0.6 percent in October. Auto production continued to decline in October, falling 1.7 percent over September levels. After surging in July, auto production has declined for three consecutive months. Despite the monthly drop, industrial production has increased 4.0 percent year over year.
