Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-12-11
BUSINESS LAST WEEK.

Continuing remarkably active and
profitable, business has gained in
wholesale characteristics thru the less
ening of excitement in some Of its
| leading branches The situation is now
more settled in iron and in dry goods.
as in certain other lines where feverish
conditions have existed, while decided
| ly higher money rates and calls for in
creased margins have had d restraining
influence on speculation In stocks and
commodities. Financial caution is more
evident than at any period Of the pres
ent era of prosperity, and, with the
| growing conservation in producing and
distributing channels, constitutes ia
vorable augury for the future. The
| momentum of the upward price move
| ment also has slackened, on the whole,
tho in quarters where needs are par
ticulariy urgent and the paucity OF
supplies increases the element Of cost
remains of secondary consideration
with many buyers. AS measured by
Dun's Index Number, the general level
Of wholesale quotations is nearly 40 per
cent higher than before the war, and
there is no definite sign even now that
the markets have reached the top. With
prices at an extreme position, 1t Is re-
markable that demands are sustained
in such great volume, and tho the ad-
vanced living costs are a source OF
complaint, wage increases and special
distributions have enhanced the pur-
chasing ability of many consumers.
That Christmas trade will attain I'M
precedented dimensions is the general
expectation and the agitation for early
shopping is meeting with response III
many sections, the preference being
shown for the more costly grades Of
merchandise.
Chicago-Trad and finance entered
into the last month of the most pros
porous year in this district without any
signs 0etracting from continuation
Of unparalleled activity in production,
distribution and pre- of capital. At no
time heretofore has there been less
trouble in mercantile collections or a
lower record Of trading defaults in
comparison with the extent OF business.
All markets for the raw materials en-
tering into factory conversion exhibit
irmness in values and no accumulation
Of surplus supplies.
Kansas Cty-Expansion continues
and about all leading lines report bust
ness very good Sales are heavy and
with a general and material advance in
prices the volume Is well in advance
Of corresponding period year ago. AS
compared with last year the eleven
months just passed are very gratifying,
especially from the standpoint Of col
lections. Demand for money is light
and interest rates range low. Good real
estate loans are at a premium and
bank deposits above all previous rec
ords.
nneapolis-Busness continues ac-
tive, and the volume of sales in nearly
all lines is well in advance Of the cor
responding period in 1915. Jobbers OF
dry goods. furs, knit GODS, hats, caps,
gIoves, groceries, general merchandise.
drugs chemicals, oils, hardware build
ing material ana JeWelIy report ousi-
ness very satisfactory, and the stu
alton in manufacturing lines continues
cry favorable. Collections are good.
Omaha-There has been no change
in general business conditions in this
territory. The holiday trade is just
commencing in retail lines and for this
period of the month has been very
brisk Bank deposits continue to hold
up. with little demand for money, tho
rates are showing a tendency to ad-
vance. The unusually mild weather
that has been prevailing for the past
month has helped building construction
and all la Dor has been we'll employed at
good wages. Collections are prompt.