South By North Strategies, Ltd.

From the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s latest survey of manufacturing activity in the South Atlantic (District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia):

Manufacturing activity in the central Atlantic region advanced somewhat faster in November, according to the Richmond Fed’s latest survey. All broad indicators — shipments, new orders and employment — posted solid gains. Other indicators were also generally positive. District contacts reported that growth in capacity utilization grew at a faster pace, while growth in order backlogs exhibited more moderate weakness than a month ago. Delivery times were virtually unchanged, while manufacturers reported that inventories grew at a somewhat higher rate.
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Looking forward, manufacturers’ assessments of business prospects for the next six months remained optimistic in November. Survey contacts anticipated steady growth in shipments, new orders, backlog of orders, and capital expenditures.