ECONOMY

Purchasing Managers Report Increase: Manufacturing soared in November for the 15th straight month and at the fastest pace in nearly 11 years, the National Assn. of Purchasing Management said. The group’s purchasing managers index rose to 61.2% in November from 59.7% in October. Any figure over 50% points to manufacturing growth. The index was at its highest since February, 1984, when it was at 61.3%. In another report, the Commerce Department said Americans’ incomes surged 1.4% in October, the biggest jump in eight months and the ninth straight gain. In yet another report, the Labor Department said the number of Americans filing the first time for state unemployment benefits dropped last week to the lowest level in two months.