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...