Manufacturing activity in the region continued to decline overall, according to the firms responding to the December Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey. The survey’s indicators for general activity and shipments remained negative. Furthermore, the index for new orders declined sharply and turned negative. The employment index dipped into negative territory but continues to suggest mostly steady levels of employment overall. The price indexes neared their long-run averages. Most future activity indicators rose, suggesting more widespread expectations for overall growth over the next six months. The diffusion index ... (full story)