US DATA: Feb KC Fed mfg index 13 vs 7 in Jan, and a..

US DATA: Feb KC Fed mfg index 13 vs 7 in Jan, and a high since
Jun’11. Durables and nondur gained, with strength in machinery, fab
metals, and aircraft. Expectations also climbed. Component indexes were
mixed but remained solid. “The production and order backlog indexes
moved higher, and the employment index edged up from 9 to 11. In
contrast, the shipments and new order indexes fell slightly, and the new
orders for exports index dropped from 10 to -7. Both inventory indexes
increased.” Prices eased.