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)