US DATA: Sept Richmond Fed Mfg text: “Manufacturing activity in the
central Atlantic region firmed somewhat in September, following three
months of contraction, according to the Richmond Fed’s latest survey.
The seasonally adjusted index of overall activity edged higher as
positive readings for shipments and new orders offset the negative
reading for employment. Modest improvement was also evident in most
other indicators. Capacity utilization turned positive, while backlogs
and delivery times remained negative but improved from their August
readings. Moreover, raw materials inventories grew at a slightly slower
pace, while growth in finished goods was unchanged. Looking ahead,
assessments of business prospects for the next six months were more
optimistic in September. Contacts at more firms anticipated that
shipments, new orders, backlogs, capacity utilization, and vendor
lead-times would grow more quickly in the months ahead.”