US DATA: April Richmond Fed Mfg text: “Manufacturing activity in
the central Atlantic region advanced somewhat faster in April following
slightly slower growth in March, according to the Richmond Fed’s latest
survey. A significant increase in the shipments component pushed the
overall index higher, while employment grew at a rate above March’s pace
and growth in new orders held nearly steady. Most other indicators also
suggested solid activity. District contacts reported capacity
utilization grew more quickly, while backlogs grew more slowly. In
addition, manufacturers reported that delivery times lessened, while
inventories grew at a somewhat higher rate. Looking ahead,
manufacturers’ optimism remained in place in April. Contacts at more
firms anticipated that shipments, new orders, backlogs, capacity
utilization, and capital expenditures would continue to grow at a solid
pace in the months ahead. Survey assessments of current prices revealed
that raw materials prices grew at a somewhat quicker rate in April.”
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