Economy
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/03ca90f6d5e001d3ba74532ce2b966ba.jpg)
Empire State Index Muted, But Optimism Rising
Written by Sandy Williams
December 16, 2019
The Empire State Manufacturing Survey indicated muted business conditions for manufacturers in New York state in December. The general business index gained only 0.6 points.
“As has been the case for the past several months, manufacturing firms in New York State reported that business activity was little changed over the month. The general business conditions index remained subdued for the seventh consecutive month, coming in at 3.5 in December,” said the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
New orders fell slightly while shipments increased modestly. Unfilled orders continued to decline and delivery times shortened. Inventories were relatively unchanged in December.
The prices paid index fell five points to 15.2 and a multi-year low. The prices received index remained steady at 4.3.
The highlight of the report was the increased confidence expressed by survey participants regarding future business conditions. Optimism increased for the second consecutive month with the future business index up 10 points to 29.8. Manufacturers reported planned increases in capital expenditures and technology spending during the next six months.
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 its interactive features; you can do so by clicking here. If you need assistance logging in to or navigating the website, please contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/sandy-williams.jpeg)
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy
Metalformers expect steady conditions in coming months
Metalformers expect economic activity to stabilize over the next three months, according to the recently released July Business Conditions Report from the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/construction.png)
Architecture Billings Index rises from 4-year low in June
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) ticked up in June following May’s four-year low, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek. While the index improved this month, it continues to indicate weak business conditions among architecture firms.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/FedRes.png)
Beige Book: Uncertainty to continue fueling slower economic growth
Growth in the US economy continues to be constrained. The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report for July shows more areas reporting flat or declining economic activity than in its previous report at the end of May.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/AISI.png)
AISI, AISC, University of Massachusetts get ~$6.4M EPA grant
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst have received a grant to enhance emissions reporting for steel construction projects.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/empire_state_1-scaled.jpg)
Manufacturing activity in New York state continues to soften
New York state saw a continued decline in manufacturing activity in July, according to the latest Empire State Manufacturing Survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.