Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-05
BUSINESS TRENDS
ARE SUMMARIZED
Outlook in important Lines
Shows Widely Diverging
Prospects.
Special Dispatch to The star.

marlzeo by the Standard STATISTICS Co.
as follows:
Agricultural Implements. - Domestic
sales Of agricultural implements and
parts in the first six months of 1880
give promise of equaling the generally
excellent returns of the corresponding
period of last year.
Atrcraft.-Though present conditions
| are unsatisfactory, due to overproduc-
ton in 1929, the longer term outlook
! holds promise of marked improvement.
with probable decrease in the number
OF companies manufacturing planes.
Apparel-The outlook for the first
half of 1880 is less favorable. from the
standpoint both of sales volume and
profits, than that for the corresponding
period of 1929.
Automobiles. - Unsatisfactory condi-
| lions still prevail. 1t will require, prob
ably, at least six months of the current
year to work the industry into healthy
condition.
Automobile Parts.-Some seasonal ac-
tivity is expected but 1t will probably
be Of much smaller proportions than in
the flrst six months of 1929.
Automobile Tires.-Only the strong
est companies will be able to report
fair profits in the first six months of
this year. and even these returns are
likely to be less satisfactory than in the
corresponding months of 1929.
Building Outlook Better.
Building.-The outlook for 1880 as a
whole is somewhat better. although the
improved situation may not become evil
dent before the middle OF the year.
Observation-Disclosures is expected to
continue moderately good in the first
half of 1880.
Coal.-Earnings will probably register
a moderate reduction in the first half
Copper.-Returns in 1880 will hardly
equal those of 1929, one of the most
profitable years on record.
Cotton Goods.-Until the fundamental
problem Of overproduction is solved
and operating programs adjusted to the
volumes justified by current demand
there is little prospect for a return of
profits to adequate levels.
Electrical Equipment-The1 1880 out
look S good. A steady demand is as
sured from utilities and railroads.
Fertilizers.-Present prospects are IA
vorable and the" demand should be good
with satisfactory Spring weather con-
ditions.
Lead-Demand from most classes of
consumers will probably be of small
proportions during the next few months
Quotations should remain at about
present levels.
Leather and Shoes.-Both tanneries
and shoe plants should achieve better
results in the current half year than
in the same period of 1929.
Machinery.-The industry has en-
tered 1880 in excellent position. Orders
carried over on the books are SubStan-
tial and current demand is stable.
Meat Packing.-Incomes in the early
months of 1880 should exceed moder-
ately those of the same period in 1929
Office Equipment Forecast.
ONCE Equipment.-The outlook for
1880 is generally excellent, though re-
turns are not expected to be maintained
at the abnormally high pace set in 1929
Paper.-The newspaper division is
gradually approaching an economically
sound basis. In other branches, except
kraft, fairly satisfactory conditions
should continue.
Petroleum.-Productio of crude dur
ing the early future months holds con-
siderable promise of continued balance
between supply and deman. In the fieid
OF refining and marketing, granting
continuance of these more favorable
operating conditions, further improve
ment should be evident in the first half
of the year.
Radio.-Any constructive period of
reorganization along sound economic
lines can scarcely be started before Fall
at the earliest. The tube industry has
been less vitality affected than the re-
ceiver trade.
RailroadS.-Smaller relative decreases
In railroad traffic in the last few weeks
indicate that the traffic stream is no
longer contracting, and sterilization
may be looked for at about present
levels during the. first half of 1880.
Railroad Observation-Disclosures
OF freight units and locomotives have
untitled orders of sufficient proportions
TO keep operations at a fair level for
some months to come. The outlook for
accessory manufacturers is improved
and that for tank car operators remains
entirely favorable.
Rayon.-Long term outlook is still
favorable, since domestic production is
tagging behind potential demand.
Retail Trade.-Outlook for the first
half Of 1880, Is less favorable than for
1929. Best showings will probably be
made by the 5-and-1O-cent stores and
the grocery chains.
Rubber.-Although prices for crude
should ultimately strengthen, the out
look is not favorable for early improve
ment Of quotations.
Good ShipbuiIding Year Seen.
Shipbuilding- with 20 important yes
sells under construction, the definite
recommendation to add approximately
80 more means that business will be
good for several years at least.
Silk.-PreSent indications point to no
material improvement in income in 1890.
Steel.-Although the bottom for the
downward movement is now approx
mated, any upward movement cannot
be expected until late Winter and prog
reSS in this direction will probably be
slow during the entire first half of 1890.
Sugar-With the current rate Of con-
sumption practically unchanged, and
with small probability of expansion in
the face of unfavorable business condi-
lions, sustained strength in raw or re-
! fined will not be evident earlier than the
second half of 1880.
TheaterS-The outlook Is favorable
with no decline In the enthusiasm of
| the public for sound movies evident or
| expected.
Observation-Disclosures point to con-
! tinued prosperity for the manufacturers
of leading brands of cigarettes during
! 1880.
Wooden Goods.-Output is still materi-
! ally in excess of demand, which has
caused a steady reduction in prices OF
finished goods.
BUILDING IN VIRGINIA
! 1rs AIaI aA4A AMAnH