Manufacturing Data Revisions Released

January 14, 2010

For immediate release
Contact: Katherine Q. Dibling, 215-574-4119

In January of each year, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia revises historical data for its manufacturing survey, the Business Outlook Survey, after calculating new seasonal adjustment factors. Because survey responses exhibit seasonal patterns, new seasonal factors are calculated each year based on the addition of a complete year of data.

While this year's revisions altered levels of the indexes for certain months, the pattern of change in most series was not significantly affected. The current general activity index remained negative for the first seven months in 2009. Although the index was originally positive in August, it was revised down from 4.2 to zero (see Chart).

The largest revisions occurred in the future general activity index at the end of the year. The revisions increased the future general activity index in December 2009 from 24.4 to 35.9; however, the general pattern of a moderation in expectations over the second half of 2009 remained (see Chart).

Revised historical data for all series can be retrieved from the historical data page.

A summary of 2009 revisions only is also available. (95 KB)

The data are also available upon request by calling (215) 574-4119 or by e-mailing Katherine Dbling.

The next scheduled release for the Business Outlook Survey is at 10 a.m., Thursday, January 21, 2010.

Manufacturing Data Revisions Released

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