U.S. industrial production rose one per cent in February, after the previous month's 0.3 per cent decrease, the U.S. Federal Reserve reported.
February's production increase was the most since November, the Fed said.
Manufacturing output gained 0.4 per cent in February, led by increases in motor vehicles and in high-technology goods, the central bank said.
All major market groups except construction supplies recorded February production increase. The output of consumer goods advanced 1.5 per cent.
Utility output jumped 6.7 per cent, as colder-than-average temperatures boosted electric and natural-gas production. The output of mines edged up 0. 1 per cent.
Overall industrial production for the month was 3.4 per cent above its year-earlier level and 113.1 per cent of its 2002 average, the Fed said.
Capacity utilization, which measures the portion of plants in use, rose to a five-month high of 82 per cent from 81.4 per cent.
Federal Reserve policymakers meet Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss interest rates. Most economists expect the Fed will leave interest rates unchanged.