Texas Factory Sector Activity Picks Up As COVID-19 Cases Decline

• Pricing power strengthens.

• Expectations continue to improve.

The Dallas Federal Reserve reported in its Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey that the General Business Activity Index increased to 13.6% during September, only the third positive reading this year. It was improved from -74.0 in April. (Data extend back to June 2004). The bank reported that by mid-September, new coronavirus cases had dropped 57 percent in Texas from their July high, and hospitalizations had fallen 70 percent. Consumers regained some confidence and are slowly and increasingly leaving home for shopping and work.

Improvement in most of the business indicators was apparent this month with the production index surging to 22.3%, its highest level in two years. Growth in new orders also picked up. The shipments reading slipped to 21.5%, but remained up sharply versus last year. The unfilled orders index also eased but remained up significantly versus negative readings during all of 2019.

The employment index rose to 14.5% in September, its highest level in 12 months. This compared to sharply negative readings during the recession. An increased 24.0% of respondents reported improved hiring while a lessened 9.5% reported a decline. The wages index also rose to 15.9%, its highest level since February.

The index of prices received strengthened this month. At 5.2%, it was the highest reading since April 2019. A steady 13.0% of respondents reported higher prices while a greatly lessened 7.8% reported a decline. The raw materials price measure strengthened to 26.2%, its highest reading since December 2018.

The index of expected business conditions in six months also extended its recent strength with a rise to 28.0% during September. It remained above April's low of -43.0%. Strength amongst expected business indicators was broad-based with the future new orders, production and shipments readings strong. The expected employment index eased slightly, but a fairly steady 34.7% of respondents expected higher employment while a slightly higher 11.4% expected a decline. Future wages also strengthened sharply to the highest level in just over a year.

Each index is calculated by subtracting the percentage reporting a decrease from the percentage reporting an increase. When all firms report rising activity, an index will register 100. An index will register -100 when all firms report a decrease. An index will be zero when the number of firms reporting an increase or decrease is equal. Items may not add up to 100% because of rounding. Data for the Texas Manufacturing Outlook can be found in Haver's SURVEYS database.