Real gross domestic product edged up 0.1% in January after increasing 0.5% in December 2011. Gains in manufacturing were partly offset by a decline in oil and gas extraction in January. Increases were also posted in the finance and insurance sector, utilities, wholesale trade, some tourism-related industries and the public sector (education, health and public administration combined). Decreases were recorded in forestry and logging, arts, entertainment and recreation as well as in construction. Manufacturing increased for a fifth consecutive month in January, up 0.7%. Durable goods production grew 0.8% mainly because ... (full story)