What We’re Reading: Factory output jumps in January

The Associated Press reported Monday that the overall output of American factories for the months of December and January were the best the sector has seen in five years.

Job creation, with a particular focus on manufacturing jobs, has been Senator Coons’ top priority since joining the Senate. He is a member of the Senate Manufacturing Caucus, devoted his maiden speech to the importance of America manufacturing, and unveiled his “Blueprint for American Jobs,” which contains measures to boost growth in the manufacturing sector.

The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that manufacturing production increased 0.7% in January. And output soared 1.5% in December, according to an upward revision. That was the biggest gain since December 2006.

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Factory output has risen 16.7% from its low point during the recession, in June 2009. It is still 7.1% below its December 2007 peak.

Two strong months of manufacturing growth are among the encouraging signs that show the economy could grow at a steady pace this year. The pickup in manufacturing coincides with five straight months of solid job growth, which has lowered the unemployment rate to 8.3%.

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