Business activity increased modestly in New York State in October, according to firms responding to the Empire State Manufacturing Survey. The headline general business conditions index climbed nineteen points to 10.7, its third positive reading in the last four months. New orders edged higher and shipments increased. Delivery times were slightly longer, and supply availability continued to worsen somewhat. Inventories were little changed. Employment increased, while the average workweek was slightly lower. The pace of both input price increases and selling price increases picked up. Capital spending plans remained ... (full story)