Manufacturing activity in the region weakened this month, according to the firms responding to the August Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey. The current general activity index fell to a near-zero reading, the new orders index dipped into negative territory, and the shipments index also declined but remained positive. The employment index continued to suggest overall increases. Both price indexes remained elevated. The firms continued to expect growth over the next six months, and expectations were somewhat more widespread. The diffusion index for current general activity declined from 15.9 to -0.3 in August, ... (full story)