Manufacturing in the Philadelphia region expanded in February at the fastest pace in four months as orders and sales picked up. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's general economic index increased to 10.2, higher than projected, from 7.3 last month. Economists forecast the gauge would rise to 9, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey. Readings greater than zero signal expansion in the area covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware. Production is poised to keep expanding as companies rebuild inventories and invest in new equipment. Faster job creation that helps drive bigger increases in consumer spending may further propel the industry. (Bloomberg)