Dallas Fed manufacturing index unchanged in October

(Sharecast News) - Texas factory activity expanded modestly in October, according to the Dallas Federal Reserve's latest Manufacturing Outlook Survey, with the production index, a key measure of output, unchanged at 5.2, indicating below-average growth for a second consecutive month. Other indicators were mixed, with the new orders index remaining slightly negative at -1.7, pointing to a mild decline in demand, while capacity utilization slipped to -1.1 from 3.9. Shipments held steady at 5.8, suggesting continued movement of goods despite softer demand.

The general business activity index rose four points but stayed in negative territory at -5.0, reflecting ongoing concerns among manufacturers about broader economic conditions.

Respondents cited credit conditions, policy uncertainty, and inflation as key challenges.





Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com