91ÊÓƵ

Manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region increased in December, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said Thursday.

The area’s factory index rose to a reading of 10.3, from 3.6 in November. Readings greater than zero indicate expansion.

The reading surpassed economists’ forecasts of a 5 reading, Bloomberg reported.

The Philadelphia Fed surveys about 100manufacturers for the index in eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey.