Texas factory activity increased again in December, according to business executives responding to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey. The production index, a key measure of state manufacturing conditions, rose strongly from 6 to 15.8, indicating output grew at a faster pace in December.

Other measures of current manufacturing activity reflected continued growth during the month. The capacity utilization index rose from 9.8 to 12.4, due to a higher share of respondents noting an increase in December than in November. The shipments index climbed to 19.6, its highest reading in five months. The new orders index moved down from 5.6 to 1.3, suggesting moderating demand growth, but more than a quarter of firms noted increases in new orders over November levels.

Perceptions of broader economic conditions remained positive this month. The general business activity index fell from 10.5 to 4.1. The company outlook index was almost unchanged at 8.4, with 21 percent of respondents noting an improved outlook.

Labor market indicators reflected unchanged workweeks but continued employment increases. The December employment index held steady at a solid reading of 9.2, with 17 percent of firms reporting net hiring compared with 7 percent reporting net layoffs. The hours worked index dropped from 5.7 to 0, indicating no change in hours worked in December.

Upward pressures on prices eased, while wage pressure increased slightly. The raw materials prices index fell from 15.3 to 10.2, its lowest reading in eight months. The finished goods prices index declined as well to a 13-month low of 4.2. Looking ahead, 26 percent of respondents anticipate increases in raw materials prices over the next six months, while 24 percent expect higher finished goods prices. The wages and benefits index ticked up from 23.9 to 25.1. This index has been consistently elevated this year, suggesting continued upward pressure on compensation costs.

Expectations regarding future business conditions remained optimistic in December. The index of future general business activity fell from 18.3 to 13.9, while the index of future company outlook edged up to 24.1. Indexes for future manufacturing activity moved down in December but remained in solidly positive territory.