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Richmond Fed's Current Activity Index rose from −9 to 8 in October
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Fifth District manufacturing activity strengthened in October, according to the most recent survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The composite index rose from −9 in September to 8 in October, as all three components — shipments, new orders, and employment — increased. Manufacturing firms also reported an increase in backlog of orders and improved local business conditions. Respondents were optimistic that conditions would continue to improve in the next six months.
Many survey respondents saw growth in employment and wages in October and expected continued growth in the near term. However, manufacturers still struggled to find workers with the necessary skills in October and expected this difficulty to persist in the coming months.
Growth rates of both prices paid and prices received by manufacturing firms fell in October, as growth of prices paid continued to outpace that of prices received. Survey participants expected the pace of growth of both prices paid and prices received to slow further in the near future.
Posted: October 22, 2019 Tuesday 10:00 AM