Europe posts solid gains in industrial sectors

Industrial production rose modestly in Europe from October to November, the European Commission's statistical office reported Tuesday. After two months of declines, production rose 1.8 percent in the 18-member eurozone and 1.5 percent in the 28-member European Union. Compared to November 2012, production rose 3 percent in both the eurozone and the EU. Durable goods production rose 2.2 percent in the eurozone, and 1.5 percent in the EU. Eurostat said. Capital goods production rose 3 percent in the currency region and 2.6 percent in the EU month to month. Production of non-durable goods was up 1.4 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively. And energy production was up 1.8 percent and 1.2 percent in the eurozone and the EU, respectively. Among member states with available data, industrial production dropped in six states, a significant shift from October, when production dropped in 12 states. In November, the largest gain was posted by Ireland with a gain of 11.7 percent, followed by Sweden with a gain of 6.4 percent and Malta at 3.8 percent. The largest decline was in Lithuania with a drop of 3.5 percent, followed by Denmark with a decline of 3 percent and Greece with a decline of 2.2 percent.