Data released Friday showed U.S. factory output unexpectedly fell in August as input costs rose and firms slowed equipment production. Manufacturing output declined 0.3% in August versus a median economist forecast for a 0.3% gain. Overall industrial production, which includes mining and utilities, was flat. Utility output rose 1.8%; mining ticked up slightly.

2026-09-18

Data released Friday showed U.S. factory output unexpectedly fell in August as input costs rose and firms slowed equipment production. Manufacturing output declined 0.3% in August versus a median economist forecast for a 0.3% gain. Overall industrial production, which includes mining and utilities, was flat. Utility output rose 1.8%; mining ticked up slightly.