61.   British manufacturing activity rose in June for the first time this year, according to the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.

62.   Bunds were buoyed by U.S. Treasuries, which rose after a survey of regional manufacturing activity by the Philadelphia Federal Reserve suggested the economy may be losing some steam.

63.   Business at Philadelphia-area manufacturers improved this month, while prices rose, suggesting manufacturing activity in the region could be expanding fast enough to spark higher inflation.

64.   Copper futures fell as a seasonal slowdown in manufacturing activity reduces demand for the metal, boosting supplies.

65.   Copper prices fell after a rise in London Metal Exchange warehouse inventories signalled demand is weakening during a seasonal lull in manufacturing activity.

66.   Cyclical companies, such as metals, were hurt by the report showing weaker-than-expected manufacturing activity.

67.   Demand for copper is expected to rise in the coming months as worldwide manufacturing activity rises, analysts said.

68.   Edward Yardeni, chief economist at Deutsche Bank Securities, said he was particularly troubled by the drop in the index of manufacturing activity.

69.   Expectations grew that the Federal Reserve would lower short-term interest rates soon after a report showed that manufacturing activity slowed in November for the fourth straight month.

70.   Figures for September released earlier this week suggest manufacturing activity remains subdued.