Britain's manufacturing sector is expanding at its fastest pace for 18 years as new orders pour in, according to a new survey, rekindling hopes for a rebalancing of the economy. The Confederation of British Industry's monthly industrial trends survey shows manufacturing orders and output both at their highest level since 1995. The CBI said that 36% of firms reported their order books were above normal, with 25% saying they were below normal. The resulting balance of +11% was the strongest since March 1995. Similarly, the positive balance for firms' level of output, at +29%, was the strongest since January 1995. ... (full story)