Business activity grew modestly in New York State in August, according to firms responding to the Empire State Manufacturing Survey. The headline general business conditions index rose six points to 11.9, its highest reading in several months. New orders and shipments increased. Delivery times lengthened significantly, and supply availability worsened somewhat. Inventories declined after growing last month. Employment edged slightly higher, while the average workweek held steady. The pace of input price increases remained elevated but was little changed from last month, while the pace of selling price increases was ... (full story)