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Economic optimism: U.S. manufacturers are optimistic about next year, expecting stronger revenues, increased employment and somewhat higher prices for materials, the National Association of Purchasing Management said. Manufacturers are “more optimistic than they were in December 1996,” NAPM said. Four of five companies surveyed said they expect business to improve next year over 1997. And 59 percent said they are optimistic about the coming year, the largest percentage since May 1988. The holiday sales outlook, moreover, is “somewhat brighter” than a year ago and the highest since 1994, the NAPM said.
