The manufacturing index moved up for the third consecutive month reaching 75.3897 in February. This places in just inside the desirable range of between 75 and 85. Greater than 85 is considered to be overheated, while less than 75 is in the recessionary zone.

The US Census Bureau reported that new orders for manufactured goods increased $4.8 billion (B), or 1.0% to $476.5 B in February. This was the seventh increase in the past eight months and follows a 1.5% increase in January.

The overall Industrial Production (IP) index was flat both month on month and year on year in January. The index for manufacturing output rose 0.2% in January. However, the production of motor vehicles and parts decreased 2.9% while other manufacturing production manufacturing increased by 0.5%.

This data is from the Federal Reserve and is seasonally adjusted. The index is based on the May 2012 level being defined as 100.

In December net job creation was 156,000 which was down from 204,000 in November. October was revised down by 7,000 and November up by 46,000. Using a three month moving average, (3MMA), the result for December was 165,000 down from 182,000 in November.