91ÊÓƵ

Manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region expanded in March at the fastest pace in 11 months, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia shursday.

The region’s factory index rose to a reading of 12.5, from 10.2 in February. Readings greater than zero indicate expansion.

The index was higher thanÌýeconomists’ forecasts of a 12 reading, Bloomberg reported.

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