Philadelphia Manufacturing Index Shows Expansion

Manufacturing levels in the Philadelphia region improved and moved into positive territory this month, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said Thursday.

The area’s economic index rose to a reading of 3.8, from negative 12.7 in August.

Figures greater than zero indicate expansion, while those less than zero show contraction. The regional index averaged 5.1 last year.

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