Capital spending by big manufacturers dropped.

The 1,000 largest manufacturers in the United States reported that they spent $28.6 billion in the second quarter, down 4.5% from the first quarter and 1.7% from the fourth quarter of 1984, according to the Conference Board, a business-backed group that studies economic conditions. Of 17 manufacturing industries, 13 registered capital spending declines, one reported no change and three--petroleum, rubber and transportation equipment--had gains. The companies also said they have reduced their projected spending for the year.