Research >> Economics
Kansas City Fed Manufacturing activity moderated somewhat
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Growth in Tenth District manufacturing activity moderated somewhat in October, but producers were more optimistic about future activity. Price indexes increased somewhat for raw materials, while finished goods price indexes were generally stable.
The net percentage of firms reporting month-over-month increases in production in October was 6, down from 16 in September but up from -7 in August (Tables 1 & 2, Chart). Production increased at durable goods plants, but fell for most non-durable goods producers, particularly food and chemicals. Other month-over-month indexes were mixed. The shipments index dropped from 12 to 1, and the employment index was slightly lower than last month. The new orders index edged up from 10 to 11, and the order backlog index moved into positive territory for the first time in over a year. The new orders for exports index remained basically unchanged, and both inventory indexes increased markedly.
Posted: October 29, 2009 Thursday 11:00 AM