NEW YORK—Optimism among U.S. manufacturers regarding the global economic outlook reached the highest level since the first quarter of 2012, according to the latest Manufacturing Barometer from PwC. In the third quarter of 2013, 40 percent of respondents expressed optimism regarding the world economy for the next 12 months, up from 31 percent in the prior quarter and 29 percent from the third quarter of 2012.
NEW YORK—Forty-nine percent of business executives in Europe, North American and other mature markets report that economic conditions have improved in their countries, according to McKinsey & Co.’s latest global survey. That compares with 39 percent six months ago and 26 percent for executives in developing markets.
WASHINGTON—U.S. factory activity expanded last month at the fastest pace in 2.5 years. The Institute for Supply Management said that its manufacturing index rose in September to 56.2, the highest since April 2011.
WASHINGTON—New orders for big-ticket U.S.-manufactured goods rose 4.2 percent in June, led by demand for aircraft. Orders for durable goods rose to $244.5 billion, an increase of $9.9 billion from May, the Commerce Department said. Analysts had predicted a much smaller 1.8 percent increase on average.
NEW YORK—The domestic economic outlook among U.S. manufacturers is at its highest level in five quarters, according to the PWC Manufacturing Barometer survey. The majority of manufacturing executives surveyed expect revenue growth in 2013.
LONDON—A closely watched survey has raised hopes that the laggard of the global economy—the 17-country eurozone—may be growing again. Financial information company Markit said Wednesday that its monthly purchasing managers’ index for the eurozone rose for the fourth month running.
WASHINGTON—For the first time ever, global corporations invested more in emerging markets than the core economies of United States, Europe and Japan, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development.
CHATTANOOGA, TN—Volkswagen’s assembly plant here has exceeded the economic impact projected when the company announced its initial investment in 2008, according to a new study by economists at the University of Tennessee. Including direct employment, employee spending and suppliers, the VW plant produced approximately 12,400 new jobs.
WASHINGTON—New orders for durable goods increased $12.4 billion or 5.7 percent in February to $232.1 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau said Tuesday. Orders have increased five of the past six months.