From Bloomberg:
Philly Fed data have been lagging regional and national data but not in November. The report's November index on general business conditions jumped from a zero-flat trend to a prodigious 22.5 to indicate very sharp month-to-month growth. New orders rose more than 15 points to 10.4. Shipments also rose more than 15 points, to 16.8. The region's manufacturers are showing commitment by adding to their workforces as the jobs index rose more than 10 points to 13.3.
Other readings confirm strength: unfilled orders rose while delivery times and inventory contraction slowed. Input prices show steep month-to-month pressure at an accelerating rate yet output prices, that is prices manufacturers receive for their finished goods, continue to contract though now only slightly.
This report points to accelerating strength for what is already solid growth for the national manufacturing sector. Interestingly, these results contrast with Monday's weak Empire State report from the New York Fed, a report that had been significantly stronger than Philly's. Month-to-month swings in regional data shouldn't cloud what is generally a positive outlook and continued leadership for the nation's manufacturing sector.
Here is a chart of the data:
That is one heck of a huge print. This report stands in stark contrast to the Empire state from earlier this week. Given how close these regions are, I'd average them out and call the month a wash for the NY and Philly areas.
