NY State Business Activity Shrinks Less Than Expected
The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index rose to -8.1 in April 2025 from -20 in March which was the lowest price since May 2023, compared to forecasts of -14.5.
However, the reading showed that business activity declined modestly in the New York state. New orders fell (-8.8 vs -14.9 in March), and shipments edged lower (-2.9 vs -8.5). Delivery times held steady (0 vs 1), and supply availability worsened (4.1 vs -2). Meanwhile, inventories continued to expand (7.4 vs 13.3) and employment was little changed (-2.6 vs -4.1), while the average workweek moved lower (-9.1 vs -2.5). In addition, input price increases (50.8 vs 44.9) and selling price increases (28.7 vs 22.4) picked up to the fastest pace in more than two years.
Firms turned pessimistic about the outlook, with the future general business conditions index falling to -7.4, its second lowest reading on record.
Source: Trading Economics