Expect overall growth over the next six months
Expect overall growth over the next six months, firms believe, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia March 2026 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey results. It reports manufacturing activity in the region continued to expand overall, according to firms responding to the survey. The survey’s indicator for general activity remained elevated. The new orders index moved down but remained positive, and the shipments index moved higher.
Empire State Manufacturing Outlook reports business activity little changed
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released its Empire State Manufacturing Outlook Survey results and reports business activity was little changed in New York State in March, according to firms responding to the survey. The headline general business conditions index fell seven points to -0.2. New orders increased modestly, while shipments declined. Firms remained optimistic that conditions would improve in the months ahead, and capital spending plans strengthened.
US raw steel production down from previous week
In the week ending March 14, 2026, US raw steel production was 1,774,000 net tons at an ACUR of 76.7 percent, down 0.9 percent from the previous week ending March 7, 2026.
Adjusted YTD production through March 14, 2026, was 18,613,000 net tons at an ACUR of 77.2 percent, up 4.9 percent from the same period last year.
US drill rigs running up from previous week
There were 553 drill rigs running in the US last week, up two rigs from the previous week ending March 6, 2026, this is down thirty-nine rigs from one year ago. Canadian drillers capped 8 rigs, to 197, down two rigs from one year ago.
Conference Board LEI inched down in January 2026
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI), inched down 0.1% in January after a 0.2% decline in December.
In my view, this is offering mixed signals, we have experienced long government shutdowns (we are in one now), GDP was hit pretty hard due to the last shutdown so it is hard to say what is real. The monthly business conditions reading from the federal reserve districts have been mostly positive in recent months, so who can say what the reality is?
Our business has shown improvement in revenues, collections seem to be improving somewhat. So I will take all negative news with a grain of salt. This uncertainty will continue for some time, at least until we have killed the Iranian threat to world peace.
News Headlines
New York City, Monday, March 16, 2026
There are throngs of people protesting in favor of Hamas and Hezbollah. It just confounds me that Americans would do this. Yes, they have a right to protest, but what are you protesting? Death to America? Death to Israel? Death to those who don’t submit? We are at war with the world’s most dangerous state sponsor of terrorism. They have murdered thousands of people and maimed thousands of others. What are you thinking?
We don’t need anyone’s assistance or approval to do this, we will accomplish the mission, and fuck everyone else, they will learn what poking the bigger bear means. The United States will be safe. I want the USA to destroy the religious fanatics in Iran, and anyone who supports them. They are a cancer on the planet and must be removed. God’s will be done.
Today, Friday, is the
first day of spring 2026, lets welcome the warm rays of the sun, the blooming or sprouting flowers, the swollen buds on the trees, blue skies, the smell of fresh air, damp earth. Enjoy the re-birth of life.
MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN
“KEEP AMERICA GREAT”
Have a great weekend…. God bless America!
Buy American made products whenever you can, it’s good for you, good for your friends and neighbors and good for our country.
If you are hiring…try to hire a veteran…. they are loyal, disciplined, hardworking…and they deserve our support.
By the way, if you wish to comment on my rants or offer any other insights you may have, you are encouraged to email me.
TEDDY ROOSEVELT ON IMMIGRANTS IN AMERICA…1907
In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag…We have room for but one language here and that is the English language…and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”
