WASHINGTON (AP) – Orders to U.S. factories declined in November for the third time in the past four months. A key category that tracks business investment fell as well. The Commerce Department says factory orders dipped 0.2 percent in November after a 1.3 percent increase in October. A closely watched category that serves as a proxy for business investment plans fell 0.3 percent. American manufacturers have struggled this year with a strong dollar, which has made their products pricier and less competitive overseas. In addition, economic weakness in many major export markets, from Europe to China, has also hurt U.S. sales abroad.
