Industrial output rises strongly, fueling recovery

By JEANNINE AVERSA AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Industrial production logged a stronger-than-expected 0.8 percent gain in April, more evidence that manufacturing is playing a leading role in powering the economic recovery.

The Federal Reserve says the increase in output at the nation's factories, mines and utilities marked an improvement from the 0.2 percent rise in March. The performance of the industrial sector in April was even stronger than the 0.6 percent gain that economists were predicting.

Factories - the single biggest slice of industrial activity - ratcheted up production by a brisk 1 percent for the second straight month. Gains were broad-based.