Business activity picked up considerably in New York State in July, according to firms responding to the Empire State Manufacturing Survey. The headline general business conditions index rose ten points to 15.6. New orders and shipments increased strongly. Unfilled orders increased, delivery times continued to lengthen, and supply availability continued to worsen. Employment rose at a solid clip and the average workweek edged higher. The pace of input and selling price increases remained elevated but slowed slightly. Firms remained fairly optimistic that conditions would improve in the months ahead. Manufacturing ... (full story)