U.S. Census Bureau data released Nov. 4 showed that new orders of manufactured goods — down four of the past five months — decreased 0.5% month-to-month during September to $584.2 billion, following a decrease of 0.8% in August.

The Bureau’s latest report noted that September durable goods orders — down three of the last four months — decreased 0.7% month-to-month, up from the 0.8% decrease issued in its advance report. This followed a 0.9% August decrease.

Shipments — down two consecutive months — decreased 0.5% in September, up from the previously published 0.6% decrease. This followed a 0.7% August decrease.

Unfilled orders — up 49 of the last 50 months — increased 0.2% in September, unchanged from the previously published increase. This followed a 0.2% increase in August.

September’s unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.94, up from August’s 6.87.

Inventories — down three of the last four months — decreased 0.3%, unchanged from the previously published increase. This followed an August unchanged decrease.