CLEVELAND—Metal-forming companies expect a spike in business during the next three months, according to the latest business conditions report from the Precision Metalforming Association.

WASHINGTON—The trade deficit unexpectedly widened in November as U.S. imports jumped almost four times more than exports, gains that signal a rebound in global growth.

Looking back on the campaign, it was refreshing to hear candidates from both parties tout the importance of U.S. manufacturing.

WASHINGTON—U.S. manufacturing grew slightly last month and factory hiring increased. The modest gain suggests the economy entered the new year with some momentum. The Institute for Supply Management said its index of manufacturing activity rose in December to 50.7. That’s up from a reading of 49.5 in November, which was the lowest reading since July 2009, one month after the recession ended.

TROY, MI—Manufacturing volumes are up significantly over 2009 levels, and severe cost-cutting has diminished somewhat, according to a new study by Grant Thornton and World Trade 100 magazine.

WASHINGTON—New orders for manufactured goods increased 0.8 percent month-over-month to $478 billion for October, according to the Commerce Department. Orders for manufactured goods have increased in three of the past four months.

WASHINGTON—Overall manufacturing output for October came in at a level just above 93, meaning it is still about 7 percent below the peak in 2007.

CHICAGO—Some 83 percent of manufacturing executives are “somewhat” or “very” optimistic about prospects for their company over the next 12 months, according to a new survey from McGladrey LLP.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 2 percent in the third quarter, slightly better than expected, with help from a healthier housing sector and a pickup in defense spending.

WASHINGTON, DC—Equipment leasing and financing activity held steady in October, reflecting continued optimism among manufacturing executives.