Manufacturing activity declines in Oklahoma, region, Federal Reserve says

However, January's monthly survey said manufacturers were optimistic about future production in the next several months.

“Regional factory activity has now edged down for four straight months, as fiscal policy uncertainty continues to weigh on firms' plans,” said Chad Wilkerson, vice president and economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

“On the positive side, expectations for new orders rose quite a bit in January, but hiring and capital spending plans were only modestly positive.”

Manufacturers surveyed blamed federal lawmakers for their caution in hiring and spending plans.

“Many of our end users are not committing to contracts until they see Congress acting on spending and debt limit issues,” said one manufacturer in the bank's survey.

Another manufacturer said it remains cautious because of uncertain implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, while one with military contracts was worried about possible cuts to the Defense Department budget.