Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (07/28/2014)

Texas factory activity increased again in July, according to 115 Texas manufacturers responding to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey. The production index, a key measure of state manufacturing conditions, rose from 15.5 to 19.1, indicating output grew at a faster pace than in June.

Labor market indicators reflected continued employment growth and longer workweeks. The July employment index posted a second robust reading, although it edged down from 13.1 to 11.4. Twenty-five percent of firms reported net hiring compared with 14% reporting net layoffs. The hours worked index edged up from 4.7 to 6.3, indicating a slightly stronger rise in hours worked than last month.