Industrial Production Rose More Than Expected in November

WASHINGTON -- Industrial production rose a better-than-expected 0.8 percent in November, a sign of recovery taking root in some parts of the economy.

The gain shows that businesses and consumers are spending more, clearing inventories and spurring factories to produce more goods. Economists expected the Federal Reserve report to show that overall industrial production grew 0.5 percent last month.

Stronger activity at mines led last month's increase, rising 2.1 percent. The critical manufacturing sector -- the biggest slice of industrial output -- reversed a one-month decline and rose 1.1 percent. Utilities did fall 1.8 percent.