The Dallas Fed Manufacturing Business Index saw a further decline in December 2025, according to the latest data released on December 29th. The index, which measures the overall health of the manufacturing sector in Texas, decreased to -10.9 from a previous reading of -10.4 in November 2025.
This marks a continuing trend of contraction in the manufacturing industry, with the index remaining in negative territory, indicating that more businesses are reporting a decline in activity rather than an increase. Analysts and businesses alike are closely watching these movements as indicators of economic momentum, or the lack thereof, particularly reflecting on broader U.S. economic conditions.
The slight drop signals that challenges in the manufacturing sector persist, potentially weighed down by factors such as supply chain disruptions, decreased demand, and inflationary pressures. Policymakers and economists may need to assess further support measures to bolster this key segment of the economy to facilitate a move towards positive growth.