US: Fifth District Manufacturing Activity Was Flat in March

Fifth District manufacturing activity was flat in March, according to the most recent survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The composite manufacturing index increased to 0 in March from -10 in February. All three of its component indexes rose in March. Shipments increased to -2 from -13, new orders improved to 4 from -9, and employment rose to -2 from -7. The local business conditions index increased to -5 in March from -15 in February. Meanwhile, the future local business conditions index decreased but remained in positive territory. The future indexes for shipments and new orders also decreased ... (full story)