THE ECONOMY

Orders for U.S.-Built Machine Tools Surge: They reached their highest monthly level in 15 years in December, giving the industry its second-best year on record, the Assn. for Manufacturing Technology reported. The month’s orders totaled $544.3 million, up 26.5% from November and almost 65% more than in December, 1993, said the trade group, which represents makers of tools that cut and shape metal for products.