Data on industry output, home building boost hopes

WASHINGTON (AP) — The latest evidence that manufacturers are helping lead the economic recovery emerged today in a report that industrial production posted its seventh straight increase in January. The report from the Federal Reserve showed gains in all three major categories: manufacturing, mining and utilities. It was the first such collective show of strength since August 2009. Manufacturing output rose 1 percent, led by a nearly 5 percent gain in auto production.