Fifth District manufacturing activity slowed in November, according to the most recent survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The composite manufacturing index decreased from 3 in October to -5 in November. Of its three component indexes, shipments fell from 9 to -8, new orders edged down from -4 to -5, and employment decreased from 7 to 0. Firms were not optimistic about local business conditions, as the index fell from -9 in October to -14 in November. The index for future local business conditions also decreased, edging down from -3 in October to -5 in November. Most firms continued to report declining ... (full story)