In the United States, industrial production remains unchanged in March: the figure is worse than analysts' expectations, which forecast a – moderate – increase of 0,2%.
This is the second consecutive stop, given that already in February production had not recorded any growth compared to the previous month. Furthermore, in March, the utilization rate of industrial infrastructure dropped by a tenth, to 78,6%.
Manufacturing activity was also down, slowing by 0,2%, compared to the 0,8% growth in February, while on an annual basis it grew by 3,8%.
In the mining sector there was a growth of 0,2% after -4% in February. Utilities rose 1,5% after a modest 0,1% increase the previous month.
Even in the real estate sector, the latest statistics are trending downwards, indicating that the road to a complete recovery of the market will be longer than expected. In recent months, favorable weather conditions have given a significant boost to new constructions, but the competition of low prices on homes already for sale has had repercussions on the multi-family housing sector.
At the same time, building permits for new homes are increasing, which could indicate a recovery in the market in the months ahead, supported by interest rates at historic lows and slightly improving employment prospects.
