Manufacturing activity in the region continued to decline overall, according to the firms responding to the January Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey. The survey’s indicators for general activity, new orders, and shipments rose from last month, but the former two remained negative. The employment index rebounded. The firms reported overall increases in prices: The prices received index remained elevated, while the prices paid index returned to average readings. Most future indicators were positive, but expectations for growth over the next six months were not widespread. The diffusion index for current general ... (full story)

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey's diffusion index for current general activity improves to -8.9 in January from -13.8 in December. This print comes in better than market expectations, though does little to provide any meaningful impetus. The US Dollar remains on the defensive amid rising bets for a less aggressive policy tightening by the Fed, though a fresh wave of the global risk-aversion trade helps limit the downside. (full story)