Factory orders chilled in December

Factory orders in the United States cooled in December, according to a report from the Commerce Department. New orders for factory-made goods showed a slowdown, reflecting weaker demand at the end of the year. Investors faced challenges on Monday, including severe weather and revived tariff concerns, which added to market uncertainty.

Despite these obstacles, the factory orders data provided some clarity on the economic outlook. The report indicated that production momentum eased after previous months of growth. This development suggests caution for sectors reliant on manufacturing activity.

The Commerce Department’s release came at a time when businesses are adjusting to new trade dynamics. Tariff-related issues had reemerged as a source of concern among investors, influencing market sentiment. Meanwhile, the impact of the blizzard complicated trading conditions earlier in the week.

Overall, the December report underlined a shift in factory demand patterns. Economic watchers see this as an important indicator for near-term manufacturing trends.