After steady growth in December and January, U.S. manufacturing expanded in February at the fastest pace since mid-2004, signaling that the factory sector continues to lead the economic recovery.
Business activity in the United States manufacturing sector posted strong growth in December and January, and the rate of expansion accelerated in February thanks to major gains in orders, employment and exports. Last month, manufacturing grew at a near-record pace, confirming that U.S. factories continue to be at the forefront of the economic recovery.