Philadelphia Factory Index Unchanged

Manufacturing levels in the Philadelphia were flat in April from last month, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said.

The area’s economic index was unchanged at a 0.2 reading, the regional Fed said Thursday. Expectations for the next six month rose to 25.8 from 17.4
 
Figures greater than zero mean that most businesses report improving conditions. The factory sector is one of trucking’s largest and most important customers.

The unchanged level was below a reading of 2 forecast by economists, Bloomberg reported.

The Philadelphia Fed surveys about 100 manufacturers for the index in eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey.