Fifth District manufacturing activity remained slow in April, according to the most recent survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The composite manufacturing index increased from -11 in March to -7 in April. Of its three component indexes, shipments increased from -14 to -10, new orders increased from -17 to -9, and employment fell from 0 to -2. Firms were more optimistic about local business conditions, as the index increased from -1 to 6. The index for future local business conditions also increased, from 12 in March to 16 in April. The future indexes for shipments and new orders rose notably in April, ... (full story)