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February Manufacturing Surges Despite Declining Orders and Employment

2/20/2026

50 12 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia reported that February 2026 manufacturing activity rose to 16.3, above economists' 7.7 and the highest since September 2025.
The new orders and shipments indices declined, and the employment index fell to -1.3.
The prices paid index dropped to its lowest level since January 2025.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported its general conditions index declined to 7.1 but remained in growth.

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Story summary

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia reported that February 2026 manufacturing activity rose to 16.3, above economists' 7.7 and the highest since September 2025.
The new orders and shipments indices declined, and the employment index fell to -1.3.
The prices paid index dropped to its lowest level since January 2025.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported its general conditions index declined to 7.1 but remained in growth.