U.S. factory output remains a strong player

WASHINGTON - Manufacturing activity expanded last month at the fastest pace since May, driven by demand in the United States and abroad for cars, computers and other goods.

The report signals that U.S. factory output, which slowed over the summer, remains a strong player in an otherwise weak economy. A separate report Monday showed that manufacturing in China, the world's second-largest economy, also grew.

The Institute for Supply Management said Monday that its manufacturing index read 56.9 in October, up from 54.4 in September. It was the 15th straight month of growth. A reading above 50 indicates growth.

"This was a very positive report, and it suggests that the U.S. manufacturing sector is beginning to reap the benefits of the weak dollar," Eric Green, an economist at TD Securities, wrote in a note to clients.

A weak dollar makes U.S. goods cheaper overseas.

Manufacturing helped drive the U.S. economy out of recession last year, but growth had slowed in recent months. The ISM's manufacturing index rose to 60.4 in April, the highest level since June 2004. The index bottomed out at 32.5 in December 2008, the lowest since June 1980.

The jump in October could ease concerns that companies are almost through rebuilding their stockpiles - a trend that appeared to be slowing factory output growth in recent months.

- AP