US Factory Orders Rise 0.1% in August, Second Monthly Gain
New orders for manufactured goods climbed to $663.5 billion in August, marking a second straight month of growth.
New orders for manufactured goods rose for a second consecutive month in August, increasing $0.7 billion, or 0.1 percent, to reach $663.5 billion, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The modest August gain follows a stronger revised increase of 0.8 percent in July, suggesting that domestic manufacturing demand has maintained a cautious but steady upward trajectory over the two-month period.
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Manufacturers' shipments, inventories, and orders data are closely watched by economists and policymakers as a leading indicator of industrial activity and broader economic momentum. Back-to-back monthly gains can signal stabilizing business investment and improving confidence among industrial buyers, though the slim margin of August's advance points to continued fragility in the sector.
The Census Bureau releases this report monthly as part of its economic briefing series, drawing on survey data from manufacturers across a wide range of industries. Revisions to prior months are common as more complete data are incorporated.
Continue reading at U.S. Census Bureau Economic Briefing Room.
