Prices and employment were reported up, but vendor deliveries were lower.

An increase in speed of vendor deliveries generally reflects a drop in orders.

Prices and inventories were reported to be up, but vendor deliveries declined.

The speed of vendor deliveries dropped for the 16th consecutive month.

Although the growth in production remained strong, inventories declined sharply and vendor deliveries were slow, according to the report.

For the 18th consecutive month, more purchasers - 23 percent - reported that vendor deliveries had slowed.

Prices and inventories were reported up, but vendor deliveries were down.

Production continued to show strong growth, but vendor deliveries remained slow and inventories were stable, the trade group said.

For the 19th consecutive month, a large number of purchasers - 21 percent - reported that vendor deliveries had slowed.

For the 17th consecutive month, more purchasers - 26 percent - reported that vendor deliveries were slower.