Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index rises to 16.3 in February
By Iain Gilbert
Date: Thursday 19 Feb 2026
(Sharecast News) - Manufacturing conditions in the Philadelphia region improved in February, with the Philly Fed's headline index rising to 16.3 from 10.1, its strongest reading since September and well above the 8.5 expected by economists.
The survey showed general business activity and new orders remained moderately firm, though shipments slowed sharply and were close to stalling. Employment levels were broadly steady, but the employment index dipped into negative territory and the average workweek shortened.
Price pressures continued to ease, with both input costs and selling prices rising at a slower pace. Roughly a third of firms reported customers becoming more price‑sensitive, while many still expected industry costs to shift in the near term and anticipated that competitors would raise prices within three months.
Respondents said tariffs had generally had a negative impact over the past year, with many expecting those effects to persist.
Expectations for growth over the next six months strengthened, although planned capital spending softened.
Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
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