Manufacturing in New York continues to soften

Of respondents surveyed, 18% reported improved conditions, while 32% noted that manufacturing business conditions worsened, according to the survey.

The prices paid index for manufacturing in New York edged down 5.5 points to 16.7, while the prices received index inched up 0.4 points to 11.5. However, pessimism continues regarding future business conditions, the survey said.

“The index for future business conditions climbed 13 points to 12.1, a reading that suggests
firms were still not very optimistic that conditions would improve in the months ahead,” the report said.

Meanwhile, the survey said that the “capital spending index remained depressed at 4.2, and the technology spending index came in at 8.3, suggesting that firms’ investment plans remained weak.”