By Greg Robb
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - The Philadelphia Fed's manufacturing index jumped to a reading of 17.8 in June from 15.4 in May. This is the highest reading of activity since last September. The index topped a MarketWatch-compiled economist forecast of 14.0. The shipments index increased to 15.5 in June from 14.2 in the prior month. The new orders index rose to 16.8 from 10.5 in May. Readings on employment were stronger and the index for prices paid also increased.
