Regional manufacturing activity continued to grow in September, according to results from this month's Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey. The survey's broad indicators for general activity, new orders, shipments, and employment remained positive and increased from their readings in August. The survey's respondents reported diminished price pressures this month. Expectations for the next six months remained optimistic, but most broad future indicators showed some moderation.

The diffusion index for current general activity increased 11 points this month to 22.9, returning the index to near its average reading for 2018.