U.S. Census Bureau data released Jan. 6 showed that new orders of manufactured goods — down three of the last four months — decreased 0.4% month-to-month during November to $586.1 billion, following a 0.5% increase in October.

The Bureau’s latest report noted that November durable goods — also down three of the last four months — decreased 1.2% month-to-month, down from the 1.1% decrease issued in its advance report. This followed a 0.7% increase in October.

Shipments — down four consecutive months — decreased 0.2% in November, down from the previously published 0.1% decrease. This followed a 0.5% October decrease.

Unfilled orders — up 51 of the last 52 months — increased 0.3% in November, unchanged from the previously published increase. This followed a 0.5% increase in October.

November’s unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 7.07, up from October’s 7.04

Inventories — up following three consecutive monthly decreases — increased 0.4%, unchanged from the previously published report. This followed an unchanged October decrease.