US DATA: Sep Richond Fed survey says mfg pulled back but
expectations are upbeat. “Manufacturing activity in the central Atlantic
region pulled back in September after expanding during the previous
seven months, according to the Richmond Fed’s latest survey. The index
of overall activity was pushed lower as shipments and employment edged
into negative territory. Other indicators also suggested softer
activity. District contacts reported that the volume of new orders
flattened, order backlogs turned negative, and delivery times held
steady. Furthermore, manufacturers reported growth in capacity
utilization flat lined, while inventories grew at a slightly quicker
pace.” Richmond retail rev index -8 vs -8, services rev -6 vs -7.