the numbers industrial production rose 05 in february the federal reserve reported thursday the gain was in line with wall street expectations according to a survey by the wall street journal capacity utilization rose to 776 in february from a revised 773 in the prior month the capacity utilization rate reflects the limits to operating the nation’s factories mines and utilities key details manufacturing had a strong gain in february rising 12 after two months of weakness most industry groups showed gains with the exception of motor vehicles and parts which fell 35 due to continued shortage of electronic components excluding autos total industrial output increased 07 utilities output slumped 27 in february after a strong gain in january mining output which includes oil and natural gas rose 01 after a 13 gain in the prior month big picture manufacturing has continued to be a bright spot in the economy even as the sector grapples with supplychain woes market reaction stocks djia spx were set to open lower after the fed laid out projections for steady interest rate increases this year