All Employees: Manufacturing in North Carolina

Monthly, Seasonally Adjusted

NCMFG • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

459.40

Year-over-Year Change

-1.52%

Date Range

1/1/1990 - 6/1/2025

Summary

The Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft (NCMFG) series measures new orders received by U.S. manufacturers for non-defense capital goods, excluding aircraft. This is a key indicator of business investment and future economic activity.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The NCMFG series tracks new orders for capital equipment, machinery, and other durable goods that are not intended for military use or the airline industry. It provides insight into business confidence and the near-term outlook for manufacturing and investment.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of manufacturing establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Context

Economists and policymakers monitor this series as a leading indicator of economic growth and industrial production.

Key Facts

  • NCMFG reached a record high of $77.8 billion in March 2022.
  • The series has increased for 25 consecutive months as of March 2022.
  • Nondefense capital goods orders account for about 25% of total U.S. manufacturing activity.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The NCMFG series measures new orders received by U.S. manufacturers for capital goods, excluding aircraft and defense-related items. It provides insight into business investment and the near-term outlook for the manufacturing sector.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: The NCMFG series is a leading indicator of economic growth and investment. It helps economists and policymakers assess the strength of business confidence and the industrial production outlook.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of manufacturing establishments conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and analysts monitor the NCMFG series as an indicator of business investment and a gauge of the overall health of the manufacturing sector and the broader economy.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The NCMFG data is released monthly with a lag of approximately 6 weeks. There may be revisions to previously reported figures as more complete information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft (NCMFG), retrieved from FRED.