Manufacturing activity in the region continued to expand overall, according to the firms responding to the March Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey. The survey’s indicator for general activity edged lower but remained positive, while the index for shipments ticked up and the index for new orders turned positive. The employment index remained negative, continuing to suggest a decline in overall employment levels. Both price indexes fell and remained below their long-run averages. Future activity indicators rose, suggesting more widespread expectations for overall growth over the next six months. The diffusion index ... (full story)