Silver Rises Over 120% YTD 
U.S. manufacturing continued its positive trend in March, increasing 0.3% for the fifth straight month, with the sector growing at a robust 5.1% annualized pace in the first quarter of 2024. The automotive industry was particularly strong, with motor vehicle and parts production rising 1.2% following February’s significant 9.2% increase.
However, overall industrial production declined 0.3% in March, exceeding economists’ expectations of a 0.1% drop. This decline was primarily driven by utilities output plummeting 5.8% as warmer weather reduced energy demands. Mining output, which includes oil and natural gas production, grew moderately at 0.6%.
Despite manufacturing’s recent strength, economists express concern about its future prospects. Industry experts from Wells Fargo and Capital Economics point to multiple challenges facing the sector, including high capital costs, persistent labor shortages, and uncertainty surrounding trade policies.
