US DATA: Philly Fed text: “regional manufacturing activity
continues to expand in January. All of the broad indicators remained
positive this month and there was an apparent pickup in new orders and
employment. Increases in input prices continue to be widespread this
month, and more firms reported increases in prices for their
manufactured goods. The survey’s broad indicators of future activity
suggest that firms expect a continued expansion in activity over the
next six months.” Diffusion index edges down but has been positive for
four consecutive months. Labor mkt is improving.