Manufacturing in Texas continues growth, but at a slower pace

The Dallas Federal Reserve Bank says Texas manufacturing production expanded in August, but a slower pace than July. The production index for the state dropped from 11.4 to 7.3, which keeps it in positive territory, but marks a second consecutive month in which the pace of growth slowed. The new orders index also showed slower growth as the measure fell from 10.8 to 5.4, remaining in positive territory. The capacity utilization index, which measures production related to factories going full steam, dropped from 12.2 to 4.6. The shipments index, above zero for four consecutive months, slipped from 14.4 to 6. The general activity index edged up from from 4.4 to 5 in the month, the Fed said Monday. The employment index measuring the number of employees added 2 points to 11.2. The index measuring hours worked, however, dropped 11 points to minus 9.9, the Fed said.