US DATA: Oct Dallas Fed mfg survey data: “Texas factory activity
increased in October, according to business executives responding to the
Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey. The production index, a key measure
of state manufacturing conditions, remained positive but edged down from
5.9 to 4.1, suggesting growth slowed slightly. Other measures of current
manufacturing conditions also indicated growth in October, and the pace
of new orders increased. The shipments index fell from 9.4 to 2.7,
suggesting shipment volumes continued to increase but at a slower pace.
The capacity utilization index moved back into positive territory after
being negative for two months. The new orders index suggested a pickup
in demand, moving from 3.6 to 8.3. Nearly 30 percent of manufacturers
noted increased order volumes in October, compared with about 20 percent
noting a decrease. Perceptions of general business conditions improved
in October. The general business activity index jumped up from -14.4 to
2.3, its first positive reading in six months. The company outlook index
also rose markedly.”