American Factory Use at 79.7%

American industry operated at 79.7% of capacity in January, the best showing in almost a year, the government reported today, as the manufacturing sector continued to provide signs that the worst of its trade problems may be ending.

The Federal Reserve said the 0.2% January increase in the operating rate was the third consecutive monthly rise. The January increase followed gains of 0.1% in December and 0.4% in November.