U.S. factories rebounded in November from Superstorm Sandy, boosting production of cars, equipment and appliances. But after factoring out the impact from the storm, the broader trend in manufacturing remained weak. The Federal Reserve said Friday that factory output increased 1.1 percent in November from October. That offset a 1 percent decline in the previous, which was blamed on the storm. Auto production jumped 4.5 percent last month, the first increase since July. Production of primary metals, wood products, electrical equipment and appliances all showed gains. Total industrial output at factories, mines and utilities rose also rose 1.1 percent last month, after a 0.7 percent decline in October. Still, economists cautioned that the rebound in manufacturing was almost entirely related to Sandy. -- SPA
