Fifth District manufacturing activity remained sluggish in October, according to the most recent survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. New orders and backlogs decreased this month, while shipments flattened. Hiring activity strengthened mildly across firms and wage increases were more widespread. Prices of raw materials and finished goods rose more quickly in October, compared to last month.

Firms looked for better business conditions during the next six months. Manufacturers expected positive growth in shipments and in the volume of new orders. In addition, manufacturers looked for rising backlogs of new orders.

Producers anticipated increased capacity utilization and looked for slightly longer vendor lead times. Survey participants' outlook for the months ahead included moderate growth in hiring, while future wage increases outweighed declines in the October expectations index. Producers anticipated somewhat longer average workweeks. Firms expected faster growth in prices paid and prices received.