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Regional Economic Digest
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| Regional Economic Update By Deron Ferguson The Tenth District economy grew moderately in the fourth quarter of 1995. Employment gains were strong and the district's unemployment rate fell. Manufacturing and construction activity remained steady, while the district's energy sector improved modestly and the farm economy strengthened. Back to top Regional Economic Digest home Survey
of Tenth District Manufacturers Manufacturing conditions in the Kansas City Federal Reserve District weakened modestly in January after rebounding late in 1995, according to a quarterly survey of manufacturers across the district. The survey takes a snapshot of manufacturing activity during the first month of each quarter by asking plant managers about a variety of manufacturing indicators. Most measures of manufacturing activity show steady to slightly declining activity in January. District factories continued to trim materials inventories but recorded a slight increase in inventories of finished goods. Price increases for raw materials were less widespread in January than when the survey was last taken in October 1995. Prices of finished goods remained stable. Manufacturing activity generally remained stronger than a year ago, and manufacturers expressed optimism about the outlook for the next six months. Back to top Regional Economic Digest home Survey
of Agricultural Credit Conditions The district farm economy strengthened during the fourth quarter of 1995, according to a survey of 288 agricultural bankers. Moderate gains in district farmland values, soaring grain prices, and lower farm interest rates all point to a stronger farm economy. But a sharp drop in loan repayment rates and prospects for continued weak profits in the cattle industry sound a note of caution in the agricultural outlook. Back to top Regional Economic Digest home Exporting Trends
in Tenth District Manufactured Goods The Tenth District has consistently outperformed the nation in the 1990s in the growth of manufactured exports. Foreign exports account for a large share of the district's sales of manufactured goods and have also helped the district retain many of its factory jobs. Back to top Regional Economic Digest home Economic Indicators |
