STATE OF BUSINESS: Breaking Records

The bustling auto industry reached the highest production peak in its history last week. By working overtime, on Saturday and on extra shifts, automakers rolled out 168,160 passenger cars, a full 2,300 above the previous alltime record week ending June 24, 1950. Total for 1955's first six weeks: 959,080 passenger cars, 40% above the comparable period for 1954.

The construction industry also broke a record. The U.S. Commerce and Labor Departments reported that spending in January for private construction topped $2 billion, up 20% from 1954 levels. Although unemployment took its usual January climb (mostly because retailers laid off temporary...

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