by Calculated Risk on 8/26/2013 10:34:00 AM

From the Dallas Fed: Texas Manufacturing Posts Slower Growth

Texas factory activity increased but at a slower pace in August, according to business executives responding to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey. The production index, a key measure of state manufacturing conditions, remained positive but fell from 11.4 to 7.3.

Other measures of current manufacturing activity also indicated slower growth in August. The new orders index was positive for the fourth month in a row, although it moved down from 10.8 to 5.4. The shipments index also posted a fourth consecutive positive reading but slipped 6 points to 11.4. The capacity utilization index fell from 12.2 to 4.6.

Perceptions of broader business conditions improved again in August, with the general business activity and company outlook indexes posting their third consecutive positive readings. The general business activity index edged up from 4.4 to 5.0, and the company outlook index rose from 4.5 to 7.3.

Labor market indicators reflected an increase in hiring but sharply reduced workweeks. The employment index rose 2 points to 11.2, its highest reading in a year. Twenty percent of firms reported hiring new workers compared with 8 percent reporting layoffs. The hours worked index fell 11 points to -9.9, its lowest reading in nearly four years.

Prices and wages rose in August. The raw materials price index came in at 10, down from its previous reading of 15.9 but still indicative of higher input costs than in July. The finished goods price index was positive for the first time since March, rising 5 points to a reading of 4, suggesting selling prices were up from July as well. The wages and benefits index was positive but edged down to 14.5, although the great majority of manufacturers continued to note no change in compensation costs. Looking ahead, 34 percent of respondents anticipate further increases in raw materials prices over the next six months, while 25 percent expect higher finished goods prices.

Expectations regarding future business conditions remained optimistic in August. The indexes of future general business activity and future company outlook showed mixed movements but remained in strongly positive territory. Indexes for future manufacturing activity also remained solidly positive. emphasis added