Economy

Empire State Index Declines for Second Month
Written by Brett Linton
September 15, 2015
The September 2015 Empire State Manufacturing Index declined for the second consecutive month, indicating a slowing in business activity for New York manufacturers.
The general business conditions index declined from -14.9 to -14.7. Prior to August,the index has been hovering around the zero point for four months indicating that business activity has been subdued.
Both the shipments and new orders indexes declined in September as they did in August. The shipments index declined from to -8.0, and the shipments index declined to -12.9. The inventories index declined to -18.5, pointing to a drop in inventory levels. The prices indexes showed a slight increase in input prices and a slight decrease in selling prices.
Employee numbers fell below zero for the first time in over two years, declining eight points to -6.2.
The index for future business conditions declined to 23.2, and indexes for expected new orders and shipments declined to similar levels. The future prices paid and received indexes both decreased.
Below is a graph showing the history of the Empire State Manufacturing Index. You will need to view the graph on our website to use it’s interactive features, you can do so by clicking here. If you need assistance with either logging in or navigating the website, please contact our office at 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Economy

US sets Section 232 tariffs on trucks and buses
Medium- and heavy-duty trucks (MHDV) and buses imported to the US will start being charged Section 232 tariffs beginning Nov. 1.

AMU: Consumer auto delinquencies: Warning sign for consumer health?
The Consumer Federation of America estimates rising total auto debt at a staggering $1.66 trillion, along with increasing repossessions and a sharp increase in delinquencies.

Beige Book: Regional market growth remains mostly flat
Economic growth in some US regions in September was offset by challenges in others, causing the market to appear largely unchanged overall, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book report.

ISM September survey captures deepening manufacturing gloom
The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) latest monthly report on manufacturing reflects a bleak view of American industry in September.

Key industries concerned over government shutdown’s impact on steel, manufacturing
Trade groups cautioned that a prolonged shutdown could strain US industry.