New orders for manufactured goods in August, up two consecutive months, increased $0.7 billion or 0.2 percent to $453.1 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported today. This followed a 1.4 percent July increase.

Shipments, up five of the last six months, increased $0.1 billion or virtually unchanged to $458.1 billion. This followed a 0.4 percent July decrease.

Unfilled orders, down three consecutive months, decreased $1.6 billion or 0.1 percent to $1,123.2 billion. This followed a 0.2 percent July decrease. The unfilled orders-to-shipments ratio was 6.81, up from 6.79 in July.

Inventories, up two consecutive months, increased $1.0 billion or 0.2 percent to $622.0 billion. This followed a 0.2 percent July increase. The inventories-toshipments ratio was 1.36, unchanged from July.