U.S. Census Bureau data released March 5 showed that new orders for manufactured goods decreased 3.6% month-to-month during January to $569.7 billion.
It followed a 0.3% December dip and was the third decline in the past four months.
Shipments — down four of the past five months — likewise decreased 1.0% in January to $572.3 billion, following a 0.5% December decrease.
Unfilled orders — up 13 of the past 14 months — increased 0.2% in January to $1.395 trillion, following a 1.3% December increase.
January’s unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 7.18, up from December’s 7.10.
Inventories — down two consecutive months — ticked down 0.1% in January to $855.8 billion, following a flat December.
January’s inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.50, up from December’s 1.48.
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