Production at U.S. factories declined in June for a second month, restrained by higher inventories and a softer economic outlook.

U.S. factory production rose in March by more than forecast, marking the third straight month of gains that show steady progress for manufacturers against a backdrop of gradually improving supply chains.

Growth in U.S. business activity cooled to a still-solid pace in early December, while cost pressures intensified for service providers and eased somewhat for manufacturers.

Growth in U.S. business activity softened this month as service providers and manufacturers remained constrained by higher inflation, supply shortages and hiring difficulties.

Orders placed with U.S. manufacturers for business equipment strengthened in August, extending to six months a solid run of robust capital investment that’s helping fuel economic growth.

U.S. business activity continues to downshift, with growth slowing to an eight-month low in August against a backdrop of materials shortages, a lack of labor and an upswing in coronavirus infections.

U.S. manufacturing continued to expand at a solid, yet slightly slower pace in June while a measure of prices paid for materials jumped to an almost 42-year high.

U.S. business activity continued to expand at a solid clip in September, outpacing a stagnant Europe and capping a vigorous third-quarter rebound for the economy.

U.S. job openings increased for a third straight month in July, consistent with a steady improvement in the labor market as the nation grinds its way forward from a pandemic-induced recession.