Business activity increased at a solid pace in New York State in November, according to firms responding to the Empire State Manufacturing Survey. The headline general business conditions index rose eight points to 18.7, its fourth positive reading in the last five months. New orders and shipments increased significantly. Delivery times lengthened modestly, and supply availability worsened somewhat. Inventories expanded. Labor market indicators improved, pointing to a small increase in employment and a longer average workweek. The pace of both input price increases and selling price increases slowed slightly, but ... (full story)