The stronger dollar and soft overseas demand remain obstacles for U.S. export-orientated producers. But as the effects of the unusually cold winter weather in the Northeast wane, strong domestic demand should support the manufacturing sector.
Indeed, the regional Philly Fed and Empire State surveys point to a slight pick-up in the national index.
"After falling for the past five months, we estimate that the ISM manufacturing index rebounded slightly in April to 53.0, from 51.5 in March (15.00 BST)." said Capital Economics
