US DATA: Dec Dallas Fed mfg data: “Texas factory activity increased
in December, according to business executives responding to the Texas
Manufacturing Outlook Survey. The production index, a key measure of
state manufacturing conditions, was positive for the fourth consecutive
month. Other indicators of current activity also remained positive,
signaling continued growth in manufacturing. The shipments index held
steady at a reading of 8, and the capacity utilization index rose from
10 to 15, with 29 percent of manufacturers reporting an increase. The
new orders index declined in December but stayed in positive territory,
with more than three-fourths of firms noting increased or unchanged
order volumes. Measures of general business conditions remained positive
in December. The general business activity index came in at 13, with
nearly a quarter of respondents noting improved activity. The company
outlook index edged down to 15, although the share of manufacturers who
said their outlook improved rose to its highest level since May. Labor
market indicators improved notably this month.”
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