US DATA REACT: BNP says “the Empire Mfg index fell back to 22.86 in
March from 24.91 in February, in line with expectations, the details of
the report were strong and pointed to a pick up in activity. New orders
jumped to 25.43 from 8.78, shipments rose to 25.58 from 15.14, the
number of employees increased to 12.35 from 5.56, and the average
workweek improved to 12.35 from 8.33. Accordingly, on an ISM-adjusted
basis the index rose to 57.1 in March from 52.3.”