In the latest monthly report, U.S. factory orders excluding transportation edged higher in November 2024, signaling a modest yet positive shift in manufacturing activity. According to updated data released on January 6, 2025, the indicator climbed to 0.2%, up from the previous month's minimal advance of 0.1% in October 2024.
This marks a month-over-month increase, reflecting a gradual improvement in the industrial sector's performance amidst ongoing economic uncertainties. The uptick, though slight, suggests a consistent stream of orders that could help underpin the broader manufacturing segment, often considered a barometer of economic health.
The slow but steady growth in factory orders ex transportation might also hint at cautious optimism among manufacturers and investors, as they navigate a complex landscape marked by fluctuating demand patterns and input costs. As these trends unfold, stakeholders will be closely monitoring future data releases for more substantial gains that could provide further assurance of economic stability.
