Manufacturing orders for U.S.-made goods fell slightly more than expected in December, according to a Feb. 3 report from the Commerce Department. U.S. manufacturers, which account for 11.9 percent of the economy, are being underpinned by businesses replenishing low stocked inventories. Factory orders fell by 0.4 percent in December, while data for November was revised…

WASHINGTON—U.S. business inventory accumulation increased solidly in August, though motor vehicle retailers continued to struggle to restock amid an ongoing global semiconductor shortage, which is forcing automobile manufacturers to cut production. Business inventories rose 0.6 percent after a similar gain in July, the Commerce Department said on Friday. Inventories are a key component of gross…