Philadelphia Manufacturing Continues Expanding

Philadelphia, PA, Jan. 19, 2012 -- Manufacturing in the Philadelphia region expanded at faster pace in January, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

Employment picked up and factories grew more optimistic about business in the next six months, the Philadelphia Fed said.

The general economic index increased to 7.3 from 6.8 in December. Readings greater than zero indicate expansion in the area covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware.