ECONOMY

Manufacturers Remain Optimistic: U.S. manufacturing activity has peaked, but few businesses are bracing for recession, a survey of about 400 firms shows. “The majority (61%) foresee very slow growth in the months ahead but do not believe the economy will fall into a recession,” said a monthly survey by Cahners Economics Inc. of Newton, Mass. In general, manufacturers are fairly optimistic about the economy, despite other recent indicators showing a sharp slowdown. The monthly index showed overall business confidence fell in June to 65.3 from 67.3 in May and from 67.4 in June, 1994, Cahners said.