Research >> Economics
Richmond Fed's latest survey activity up 4 to 6
In March the seasonally adjusted composite index of manufacturing activity — our broadest measure of manufacturing — inched up four points to 6 from February's reading of 2. Among the index's components, shipments picked up five points to 5, new orders edged up one point to finish at 10, and the jobs index advanced seven points to end at 0.
Other indicators also varied. The backlog of orders measure lost seven points to −7, while the index for capacity utilization increased six points to 3. The delivery times index added six points to end at 8. Our gauges for inventories were mixed in March. The finished goods inventory index dropped seven points to 6, while the raw materials inventory index rose two points to finish at 7.
Posted: March 23, 2010 Tuesday 10:00 AM