The New York herald., 1922-11-12
TRADE REVIEW AND
BUSINESS OUTLOOK
Trend Toward Prosperity,
Says Federal Reserve Board
in Current Survey.
PRICE TENDENCY UPWARD
Changes In Values Have Led
to Placing Of Orders
Textiles Soar.
PRICE TENDENCY UPWARD


with trading on a broad scale in the
primary textile markets. Most conspicu-
Gus in the advance was unfinished cot
ton goods. which rose in price OF from
an eighth to a quarter of q cent, with
resultant stinening in finished goods
values. Hardening tendencies again
characterized the raw wool market
which, in turn. firmed up woolen goods
prices. Raw silk prices late in the week
receded from the high levels established
in the preceding week, while SILK goods
nrices were advanced by several more
manufacturers to take up the Increased
cost OF raw material. ,
Retail distribution Of goods continued
al a fast pace. Large retailers with
foresight placed orders several months
ago for large quantities OF mercnandlse'
and now are able to offer goods at at
tractiye prices which their competitors
are finding increasing difficulty In meet
ing.
The trend Of business 10 toward
more prosperous level, tho Federal Re
serve Board declared IN Its current sur
vey. I'm general outline" the board
said, "the course of read1ustment has
been clear and well defined. New con-
in prices which has led to the placing
of orders and contracts"
Cotton ana Cotton Goods.
New high prices for raw cotton
caused wide Withdrawals Of quotations
In the market for gray goods and fur
tier hesitation In the finished goods
markets, where new prices are about to
be made on several lines Of goods. Large
printers failed to announce new prices
for percales, which were Withdrawn
few weeks ago, and 1t Is believed that
the new advance in raw cotton has ma
tcrially affected prices.
Southern ginghams were raised apout
half n cent a yard, while slight ad-
vances were made on chambrays ana
cheviots An increase OF from to 10
per cent. in cotton blanket prices was
announced Most mills have instructed
their selling agents to notify them De-
fore accepting further orders.
Manufacturers of woolen and wor-
sted fabrics continued to do a good busi-
ness in their spring lines. The favor
able response on the part of clothing
wholesalers and retailers to the spring
lines of mems clothes is being reflected
I'm recorders sent to woolen manufac-
turers. Serges are enjoying better de-
mand but there still Is room Tor I'M
provement.
The new high prices which recently
were named on dress goods are not ex-
pected to hold very long. Mills declared
that the continued strengthening of raw
wool quotations soon will necessitate an
other upward revision OF goods prices.
Buyers are meeting with considerable
difficulty In getting their orders for pol
ret twills filled owing to the limited
IL Axz%H tyGtr 1Aeu
Is being done in wool crepe fabrics,
which. like poiret twills. are profiting
greatly by the longer skirt vogue.
Stocks Of wool in the United States
and afloat on September 80, including
tops and noils, amounted to 525.173,61s
pounds, grease equivalent according TO
the Bureau of Census. This exceeds the
amount reported for June 80 by 46,O22.-
434 pounds. Foreign raw wool stocks
held by manufacturers increased 22.536,-
700 pounds over June 80. while domestic
wool stocks remained unchanged.
In the silk Trade.
Prices in raw silk markets were some
what softer because Of less demand.
Many mills now have filled their re-
aurements for the Immediate future,
while other buyers continue to order In
piecemeal quantities. Several sellers
here were reported to have shaded mar
ket prices In order to attract buyers but
prices in general were maintained by
dealers.
Steady Improvement continued In the
broad silk manufacturing trade. Re-
taiers are being forced to send in their
orders early to insure delivery next
year. because manufacturers are not
making up goods for stock. Taffetas
are receiving an enlivened demand, but
manufacturers still are selling them be-
low replacement costs. Flat and printed
crepes, printed georgettes and crepe de
chine also are in strong demand Fur
ther price advances are expected In
order to bring the level to conform with
the primary costs.
Continued good buying of short fur
coats and chokers was reported by man.
ufacturers Furriers are somewhat dis
appointed over the slow sale OF heavy
fur garments. However. they believe
that II the cold snap OF the last few
days continues there will be a marked
quickening OF buying by both retailers
and consumers. High grade merchan-
disc is reported to be moving better than
the medium and lower grades.
Little activity marked the raw fur
trade. The cloak and suit manufactur-
ing trade continued to buy lightly, but
furriers are confident that q strong de-
rnand for trimming furs VIII set in soon
as result of the good buying Of fur
trimmed garments. Trappers now are
at work for the new season. The open
ing prices for the season are not ex-
pected to be higher.
The apparel trade continued active
with the trend of buying toward the
better grades. Spring lines Of mems
clothes are being well ordered by whole
salers ana retailers. Talk OF higher
\prices is current In manufacturing CIR
cles as a result Of higher woolen fabric
prices. women's winter garments are
moving moro actively in the Wholesale
trade. Manufacturers are preparing
their spring lines. which are 20 be shown