NEW YORK (voa) – Orders placed at U.S. factories fell 3.3 percent in November, mostly because of large drops in orders for transport equipment and military aircraft.
But other manufactured goods, including machinery, cars, computers, and household appliances, posted gains, signaling the manufacturing slowdown could be ending soon.
In October, U.S. factory orders surged 7 percent, mostly because of higher car sales as consumers took advantage by interest-free finance offers by car-makers.
The manufacturing sector has been hardest hit by the weak U.S. economy which has been in recession in March. Analysts say the latest data are consistent with recent signals the manufacturing slump maybe nearing its end.
In Germany, factory orders rose in November for the first time in three months, suggesting Europe’s largest economy may be emerging from recession. The increase, 0.9 percent, was above expectations and was driven by orders from overseas customers.
Meanwhile, a European Commission study shows that confidence among West European consumers and businesses rose in December for the first time in a year, which could indicate the European economy also may be on its way to recovery.
