U.S. Census Bureau data released Dec. 4 showed that new orders of manufactured goods — up following two consecutive monthly decreases — increased 0.2% month-to-month during October to $586.7 billion, following decreases of 0.2% in September and 0.8% in August.

The Bureau’s latest report noted that October durable goods orders — also up following two consecutive monthly decreases — increased 0.3% month-to-month, up from the 0.2% increase issued in its advance report. This followed a 0.8% September decrease.

Shipments — down three consecutive months — decreased 0.5% in October, up from the previously published 0.6% decrease. This followed a 0.5% September decrease.

Unfilled orders — up 50 of the last 51 months — increased 0.4% in October, unchanged from the previously published increase. This followed a 0.2% increase.

October’s unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 7.03, up from September’s 6.97.

Inventories — down four of the last five months — decreased $0.2 billion or remained virtually unchanged month-to-month, this was unchanged from the previously published decrease. This followed a 0.3% decrease.