Manufacturing activity in the region expanded overall, according to the firms responding to the September Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey. The survey’s indicators for current general activity, new orders, and shipments all rose, with the former two returning to positive territory. The employment index remained mostly unchanged and continued to reflect overall increases in employment. Both price indexes moderated but remain elevated. The survey’s future indicators suggest widespread expectations for growth over the next six months. The diffusion index for current general activity rose 24 points to 23.2 in ... (full story)