U.S. industrial production fell more than expected in May on a decline in utilities output and auto manufacturing, the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday, a sign that the economy may be losing some steam in the second quarter.
Industrial output declined 0.4 percent last month after a downwardly revised 0.6 percent increase in April.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast industrial production slipping 0.2 percent last month.
The industrial sector measured by the U.S. central bank comprises manufacturing, mining, and electric and gas utilities.
It has shown tentative signs of green shoots after a downturn over the past 18 months that was due to weak global demand, a strong dollar and fall in oil prices.
