PPIs and state jobs news were mixed.

The Architecture Billings Index (ABI), a monthly survey of 300 architectural firms that measures the number reporting rising vs. falling billings, “showed stronger growth in October, rebounding slightly from a steep downturn in August and September, with a score of 53.2 (where any score above 50 shows growth),” the American Institute of Architects reported on Friday. “Despite the ongoing slowdown in the economy overall, ABI panel members continue to report at least modest billings gains each month. In fact, most panelists feel that the impact of current credit market troubles is no worse in October than it was in September.” Sub-indexes for residential, commercial/industrial, institutional and mixed practices each showed little movement.