Broad Outlook Continues for Economic Stagnation and an
Intensifying Downturn

Unusual Weather Patterns Boosted March Utility Usage by a Record 8.6%;
Otherwise, the 0.5% Production Gain Was a Contraction of 0.4% (-0.4%)

Dominant Manufacturing Sector Dropped by 0.4% (-0.4%) on Top of
Downside Revisions to January and February (Automobile Manufacturing Fell)

Mining Sector Rose by 0.1%, Reflecting Soaring Gold Mining and
Oil Production, Largely Offset by Plunging Coal Mining

Still No Economic Expansion: Activity Held Below Pre-Recession Peaks, with
Production Down by 1.2% (-1.2%), Manufacturing Down by 6.4% (-6.4%) and
Housing Starts Down by 46.5% (-46.5%)

Residential Construction Continued in Low-Level, Non-Recovering Stagnation

Freight Index Continued in Low-Level, Non-Recovering Stagnation