by Calculated Risk on 11/27/2017 02:09:00 PM

Earlier from the Dallas Fed: Manufacturing Expansion Slows but Remains Solid

Texas factory activity continued to expand in November, according to business executives responding to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey. The production index, a key measure of state manufacturing conditions, fell 10 points from its October reading but remained elevated at 15.1.

Other measures of manufacturing activity also pointed to November growth that was slightly slower than in October but still well above average. The new orders index moved down five points to 20.0, and the capacity utilization and shipments indexes similarly fell to 17.3 and 16.7, respectively. Meanwhile, the growth rate of orders index signaled a stronger pickup in demand, climbing six points to 18.1. This represents the index’s highest reading since 2010.

Perceptions of broader business conditions remained highly positive in November. The general business activity index came in at 19.4, down eight points from October. The company outlook index posted its 15th consecutive positive reading but dipped to 18.5.

Labor market measures suggested slower employment growth and longer workweeks this month. The employment index fell 10 points from October to 6.3, reflecting a more normal index level after several months of elevated readings. Nineteen percent of firms noted net hiring, compared with 13 percent noting net layoffs. The hours worked index edged down but remained positive at 11.5, indicating a continued lengthening of workweeks.
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