Economic
data released last week was mostly negative. 
Housing sales and housing starts both fell in January.  Economic activity in the Philadelphia region
(normally, a bell-weather for the entire U.S) declined in January.  On the positive side the number of employed
individuals in the U.S. has climbed to a pre-recession high.

The numbers have been
influenced by bad weather.  Many economic
experts expect the economy to pick up with improved weather.  Manufacturers will ramp up in anticipation of
a strong rebound in consumer spending. 
We should see the manufacturing sector pick up steam in the next few
weeks