US DATA: Dec Dallas Fed Mfg text: “Texas factory activity weakened
slightly in December, according to business executives responding to the
Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey. The production index, a key measure
of state manufacturing conditions, posted a second negative reading but
moved up from 5.1 to 1.3. This suggests a slowing of the pace of
decline. Other measures of current manufacturing conditions indicated
flat activity in December. The new orders index suggested stagnant
demand, registering a near-zero reading after dipping into negative
territory last month. The shipments index was little changed from its
November reading and continued to suggest flat shipment volumes. The
capacity utilization index was also near zero although it rebounded from
last month, rising from 10.2 to 0.7. Perceptions of broader economic
conditions were mixed in December. The general business activity index
dipped into negative territory after two consecutive positive readings.”