Results from the May Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey suggest continued growth for the region’s manufacturing sector. The survey’s indexes for general activity, shipments, and employment increased from their April readings. The new orders index remained positive but decreased modestly. The survey’s future activity index, after falling in recent months, was little changed, while the firms’ forecast for future employment improved. Current Indicators Suggest Continued Growth The diffusion index for current general activity increased from 8.5 in April to 16.6 this month (see Chart 1). Over 25 percent of the ... (full story)