Results from the Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey suggest that regional manufacturing conditions continued to improve in September. Indicators for general activity and new orders were positive and increased from their readings last month. Indicators for shipments and employment, however, were negative, suggesting weaker performance for the sector. Firms remain optimistic about growth over the next six months and were more positive about increasing employment.

The index for current manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region increased 11 points to 12.8. For the first time since August of last year, the index has registered two consecutive positive readings.