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Philly Fed December 2017 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey
Results from the December Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey suggest that regional manufacturing conditions continued to improve. Indexes for general activity, new orders, and shipments were all positive this month and increased from their readings last month. The firms also reported continued expansion of employment. Most indicators reflecting expectations for the next six months suggest continued optimism. The diffusion index for current general activity increased from a reading of 22.7 in November to 26.2 this month (see Chart 1). Nearly 41 percent of the firms indicated increases in activity this month, up ... (full story)