US Manufacturing Output Rises in September Despite Auto Strikes

US manufacturing output rose 0.4% in September, exceeding economists' forecasts of a 0.1% increase.

The gain came despite strikes in the auto industry that curbed motor vehicle production.

The data indicates the US economy maintained momentum exiting the third quarter.

Production rose for wood, metals, plastics, rubber but fell for apparel, printing goods.

Manufacturing remains constrained by slowing demand due to higher interest rates, but the worst may be over.