Economy

Modest Rise in Empire State Manufacturing Index
Written by Sandy Williams
April 16, 2019
A six point increase to 10.1 in the general business index of the Empire State Manufacturing survey indicated a modest rise in manufacturing activity in April. New York manufacturers reported a slight rise in new orders and shipments. The new orders index rose to 7.5 from 3.0 in March, while the shipments index increased to 8.6 from 7.7.
Input prices and prices received moved lower during the month with the prices paid index falling seven points to 27.3 and the prices received index declining four points to 14.0. Inventories and delivery times both increased.
Optimism waned in April, according to survey results. The future business conditions index fell 17 points to 12.4, its lowest level in three years. Indexes for future new orders and shipments fell 8.5 points and 5.0 points, respectively.
The Empire State Manufacturing Index, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, is the first of the regional Federal Reserve surveys to be released each month. When looked at together, the regional indexes provide insight on the U.S. manufacturing business cycle.
Below is a graph showing the history of the Empire State Manufacturing Index. To use its interactive features, view the graph on our website by clicking here. If you need assistance logging into or navigating the website, please contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy

Architecture firms struggle through April
For the third month in a row, architecture firms reported a reduction in billings through April, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index release.

House committee blocks GOP budget proposal
The budget proposal has big implications for steel and manufacturing.

Manufacturing in New York state contracts again in May
Manufacturing activity in New York state declined for the third consecutive month, according to the May Empire State Manufacturing Survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Responding firms continue to forecast weaker business conditions in the coming months.

Chicago Business Barometer falls back in April, remains in contraction
The Chicago Business Barometer declined in April, reversing March’s gains, according to Market News International (MNI) and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

Fewer manufacturers optimistic about the economy
PMA’s April report shows that only 16% of surveyed manufacturers anticipate an increase in economic activity in the next three months (down from 23% in March)