US DATA: March mfg ISM text: “The PMI registered 53.4 percent, an
increase of 1 percentage point from February’s reading of 52.4 percent,
indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 32nd
consecutive month. The Production Index increased 3 percentage points
from February’s reading of 55.3 percent to 58.3 percent, and the
Employment Index increased 2.9 percentage points to 56.1 percent. Of the
18 industries included in the survey, 15 are experiencing overall
growth. Comments from the panel remain positive, with several
respondents citing increased sales and demand for the next few months.”