US industrial production rose a solid 0.4 per cent in August

WASHINGTON — U.S. industrial production rose by a healthy 0.4 per cent in August, boosted by gains in the production of autos, oil and natural gas.

The Federal Reserve said Friday that industrial production, which includes output at factories, mines and utilities, has climbed 4.9 per cent over the past 12 months.

Factory production increased 0.2 per cent last month, lifted by a 4 per cent rise in the making of vehicles and parts. Automakers assembled vehicles at their strongest pace since April.

Mining output posted a 0.7 per cent monthly gain. A sharp increase in the production of oil and natural gas has caused mining output to soar 14.1 per cent over the past 12 months.