Economy

Empire State Index Points to Flat November for NY Manufacturing

November 15, 2016

Business activity stabilized in New York State according to the November 2016 Empire State Manufacturing Survey. The index rose eight points to a reading of 1.5, bringing the index out of contraction for the first time in four months but leaving manufacturing relatively flat for the month.

New orders and shipments picked up and indices were positive with readings of 3.1 and 8.5, respectively. The unfilled orders index dropped to -12.7 and delivery times shortened. Inventory levels dropped sharply as evidenced by an 11 point decline to -23.6 for a multi-year low.

The pace of growth for input and output prices slowed during the month.

The future outlook was less optimistic than October’s survey. The future business conditions index fell six points to 29.9. Orders and shipments were expected to decrease although employment levels and average workweek hours were expected to expand. New Yorkers are anticipating higher input and selling prices over the next six months. Modest increases were noted for future capital expenditures and technological spending.