US DATA: Feb Richmond Fed text: “Manufacturing activity in the
central Atlantic region expanded for the fifth straight month, according
to the Richmond Fed’s latest survey. All broad indicators shipments,
new orders and employment posted solid gains. Other indicators also
suggested stronger activity. District contacts reported that backlogs
grew at a quicker pace and that growth in capacity utilization was
virtually unchanged. Manufacturers reported that delivery times and
finished goods inventories grew at a somewhat higher rate. Looking
ahead, manufacturers in February were more optimistic about their future
prospects. Respondents at an increasing number of firms looked for rapid
growth in shipments, new orders, backlog of orders, capacity
utilization, employment, and the average workweek in the next six
months. Survey measures of current prices revealed that both prices of
raw materials and finished goods grew at a brisk pace in February.