Omaha daily bee., 1922-01-30
Trade Review
BY r. G. DUN & co.

by n. u. Dun u W.
Expansion OF business. if not wholly
lacking, still develops slowly The coldest
weather of the winter at different points
has augmented demand for heavyweight
tion now to watch closely for gains which
result from other than purely seasonal
influences. Basic industries have held
most of the advance of recent months
and in some instances have made further
recovery. but rapid revival at manufac-
turing establishments remains the con-
spicuous exception. Revision of wages or
increase of working hours to effect lower
production costs has evidently not been
completed, and the expectation of rail-
road freight rate reductions persists,
despite the delays experienced. With re,
adjustments still to be accomplished and
tude in many quarters and reluctance
unnaturally cautions and hesitant atti-
tude in mnay quarters, and reluctance
nitude. The fact that January has brought
no general activity in business has not
lessened the belief that more decisive
Improvement, in conditions this year is
foreshadowed, and the current gradual
progress is disappointing only to those
interests who had anticipated sudden
turn for the better. Supporting the hope
of future expansion along conservative
lines is the favorable response made to
openings Of woolen goods for the fall
season; ,the diminution of price unsettie-
ment; the prospect of an extensive build.
ing program in the spring, and signs of
slow recovery in some divisions of ex-
port trade While these and other en-
raging phases are qualified by differ
ent unsatisfactory features the outlook
is clearly one of brighter promise.
Rubber Goods Trade.
Like other branches of business, the
rubber goods trade has passed through
a period of readjustment, with curtaled
production and declining prices. A special
survey of the situation made through
correspondents of Dun's Review indicates,
however, that fundamental conditions have
been strengthened and that revival of
demand this year is foreshadowed. With
sharp price reductions from previous high
levels, the interest of buyers is being
relifndled, and both manufacturers and
distributors are confident Of the future.
Reason for encouragement appears in the
fact that soms plants are steadily in
creasing operations, and the industry is
expected to be in satisfactory position
by next fall unless unforeseen contin-
gencies arise. Much will depend, q num-
Der of the reports point out, upon weather
developments.
Steel Trade Outlook.
: While general activity is still absent in
II On and steel circles, various encouraging
features are present. Uncertainty about
future prices has not wholly disappeared,
but more buying interest has arisen in
some quarters, with railroad equipment
and fabricated steel inquiry especially
prominent Negotiations on round lot OF
rails for export to Manchuria are reported.
dnmestc ana Engllsn miiis eohlpetihs .ot
this business, and a foreign order for
500 cars has been placed here. Not In
many months. the Iron Age states have
so many fabricated steel projects deyel-
tped as during the past week. and actual
awards have been relatively large. The
fact that production this month has held
close to the December rate is considered
n favorable augury. and seasonal dehiand
is expected to soon give stimulus 10 the
industry. Early resumption of work at
plants now idle is in prospect in Chicago
territory.
Dry Goods Buying.
No departure from conservative ActioE
is witnessed in dry goods markets. Buy
lug to cover well-defined requirements re-
mains the prevailing condition, but mod
erate-sized orders are being placed some
what more frequently, and the future is
hopefully regafiled- onepipEa qf -Ye2ien