Factory production cooled in December as capital spending and vehicle assemblies slowed, indicating U.S. manufacturers were adjusting to weaker overseas markets.

Factory orders dropped 0.7% in November, the fourth straight decline, the Commerce Department reported Jan. 6.

Factory orders dropped 0.6% in September after a 10% decline the prior month, the Commerce Department reported Nov. 4.

Factory orders dropped 10.1% in August after a 10.5% rise the prior month, the Commerce Department reported Oct. 2.

Factory orders increased 10.5% in July, the largest gain since records began in 1992, the Commerce Department reported Sept. 3.

Factory production increased in July at the fastest pace in five months as capital spending climbed and motor vehicle demand surged, indicating the industry is helping propel the U.S. economy.

Factory orders increased 1.1% in June, the biggest gain in three months, the Commerce Department reported Aug. 5.

U.S. factory activity expanded in July at the fastest pace in more than three years, the Institute for Supply Management reported Aug. 1.

American factories, propelled by the strongest orders of the year, sustained gains in June and are poised to be part of the rebound in economic growth.

Factory orders increased for a third consecutive month, rising 0.7% in April, the Commerce Department reported June 3.