Strong U.S. industrial output bolsters growth picture

(Releads with industrial production data, adds analystcomments, updates markets)* Industrial production rises 0.9 percent in January
* Manufacturing output up 0.5 percent, utilities surge
* Housing starts fall 3.8 percent, weather likely a factor
* Permits slip 0.2 percent; multi-family permits up
By Lucia Mutikani
WASHINGTON, Feb 17 (Reuters) – U.S(Other OTC: UBGXF – news) . industrial production inJanuary rose by the most in 14 months as manufacturing andutilities output increased,