US industrial output down sharply in June

The output of US industry fell sharply in June and was much lower in April and May than estimated earlier, the Federal Reserve Board reported, adding to concern the recession may not have run its course.

Industrial output fell in 10 of the last 11 months and dropped 10.1 percent since the economic slide began last July. The one bright spot in the report: Production of consumer durable goods - big items such as cars and home appliances - continued its recent rise, increasing 1.7 percent.