Manufacturing activity in the region expanded overall, according to the firms responding to the February Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey. The survey’s indicators for current general activity and shipments rose and turned positive. The indicator for new orders also rose but remained negative. The employment index suggests declines in employment overall. Both price indexes indicate overall increases in prices but remain below their long-run averages. The survey’s broad indicators for future activity rose, suggesting more widespread expectations for overall growth over the next six months. The diffusion index for ... (full story)