The new orders index improved by 7 points month-over-month in September, the first positive reading on new orders in five months.
On the employment front, more firms reported fewer employees (22%) than reported adding new employees (15%).
Prices paid for inputs rose more slowly than in August, up 8% compared with a rise of 11.2% in August. Output prices were steady.
The outlook for the next six months also improved, with 50% of firms expecting an increase in activity and only 9% expecting a downturn. Future new orders and shipments expectations each rose by 31% and the future employment index rose by 11%. Some 32% of firms expect to hire new employees in the next six months.
Paul Ausick