WASHINGTON — A strong increase in auto output boosted U.S. factory production last month, the latest sign that manufacturing is helping drive economic growth after lagging for much of 2012. Factory output rose a seasonally adjusted 0.8 percent in February ...

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WASHINGTON — U.S. wholesalers boosted their stockpiles in January by the largest amount in 13 months even though their sales dropped sharply. Inventories at the wholesale level rose 1.2 percent in January compared with December when inventories had edged up ...

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WASHINGTON — U.S. wholesale companies added modestly to their stockpiles in May. But sales at the wholesale level dropped by the largest amount in three years, a troubling sign for future growth. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that wholesale stockpiles ...

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WASHINGTON — U.S. wholesale businesses increased their stockpiles at a faster rate in April, responding to a strong gain in sales. The increase could be a good sign for economic growth in the April-June quarter. The Commerce Department says stockpiles ...

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WASHINGTON — U.S. factories are roaring back from the depths of the recession, cranking out more machinery, vehicles and energy. Factory production has surged 15 percent above its lows of 2½ years ago and is helping drive the economy’s recovery. ...

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WASHINGTON — U.S. factories produced more cars, appliances, computers and furniture in February, lifting manufacturing output for the sixth straight month. The Federal Reserve says overall output at the nation’s factories, mines and utilities dipped 0.1 percent last month, the ...

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WASHINGTON — Businesses at the wholesale level added to their stockpiles in January and their sales jumped by the largest amount in 14 months. But the spike in sales was partially influenced by rising oil prices. Wholesale inventories rose 1.1 ...

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WASHINGTON — The economy lost strength in late summer as factory production weakened in areas of the East Coast and Midwest. A survey the Federal Reserve released Wednesday found the slower growth spreading to more regions of the country. Of ...

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