Capacity Utilization measures the extent to which U.S. manufacturing companies make use of their installed productive capacity (factories and machinery). Capacity Utilization reflects overall growth and demand in the economy, rising when the economy is vibrant, and falling when demand softens. High capacity utilization also exerts inflationary pressures as scarce resources are in higher demand. However, it may also lead to new capital investments, such as new plants, that promote growth in the future.

Relevance: Rarely affects markets
Release schedule : 9:15 AM (EST); monthly,
Source of report : Federal Reserve Board
Web Address : http://federalreserve.gov
Address of release : http://federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/current

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