US Factory Orders Rise 0.1% in August, Mark Second Straight Monthly Gain
New orders for manufactured goods edged up $0.7 billion in August, extending a two-month streak of growth to $663.5 billion.
New orders for manufactured goods climbed for a second consecutive month in August, rising $0.7 billion, or 0.1 percent, to reach $663.5 billion, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The modest gain follows a stronger 0.8 percent increase recorded in July, which was revised prior to the August report. Together, the back-to-back advances suggest a degree of stabilization in manufacturing demand after periods of volatility in the sector.
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While the August uptick is marginal in percentage terms, sustained directional growth in factory orders is closely monitored by economists as a leading indicator of industrial output, supply chain activity, and broader business investment intentions across the U.S. economy.
The manufacturers' shipments, inventories, and orders report covers the full range of durable and nondurable goods sectors, providing one of the most comprehensive monthly snapshots of domestic manufacturing health available to policymakers and market participants.
Continue reading at U.S. Census Bureau Economic Briefing Room.
