New York City, January 16, 2026
Manufacturing activity in New York State saw a modest uptick in January, as indicated by the Empire State Manufacturing Survey. The general business conditions index improved significantly, revealing a positive shift in the manufacturing sector. Key indicators such as new orders and shipments also showed promising growth, although employment numbers declined. Firms expressed optimism about future business conditions, highlighting a robust economic outlook in the coming months.
New York Manufacturing Activity Shows Modest Increase in January
New York City, NY – Manufacturing activity in New York State experienced a modest uptick in January, according to the latest Empire State Manufacturing Survey released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The general business conditions index rose to 7.7, up from -3.7 in December, indicating a positive shift in the state’s manufacturing sector. This improvement surpasses the anticipated index level of 0.8, reflecting a stronger-than-expected recovery.
Key Survey Findings
- New Orders: The new orders index increased to 6.6, marking the third gain in four months and a significant rebound from a low of -30.7 in January 2024.
- Shipments: Shipments grew at a solid pace, with the shipments index rising to 16.3, the highest level since November 2024.
- Employment: Employment declined, with the employment index dropping to -9.0, the lowest since January 2024.
- Inventories: Inventories edged down, with the inventories index at -2.1, a four-month low.
- Prices: The pace of input price increases remained elevated, while the pace of selling price increases slowed to its lowest pace in nearly a year.
Future Outlook
Firms expressed optimism about future business conditions. The future business conditions index eased to 30.3 in January from 33.5 in December, with 50.6% of respondents expecting business conditions to improve over the next six months.
Background on the Survey
The Empire State Manufacturing Survey is a monthly assessment conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. It gathers insights from manufacturers across New York State on various aspects of business activity, including general business conditions, new orders, shipments, employment, and prices. The survey serves as a key indicator of manufacturing trends in the region.
Related Market Performance
The State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI), which tracks the industrial sector, is currently trading at $165.78, reflecting a 0.93% increase from the previous close. This uptick aligns with the positive manufacturing data from New York.
Conclusion
In summary, January’s Empire State Manufacturing Survey indicates a renewed vigor in New York’s manufacturing sector, with key metrics like new orders and shipments showing promising growth. While employment numbers have seen a decline, overall optimism among firms points to a more robust economic landscape in the coming months. Supporting local businesses and being engaged in the economic dialogue can help ensure continued growth and resilience in our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Empire State Manufacturing Survey?
The Empire State Manufacturing Survey is a monthly assessment conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. It gathers insights from manufacturers across New York State on various aspects of business activity, including general business conditions, new orders, shipments, employment, and prices. The survey serves as a key indicator of manufacturing trends in the region.
What does the general business conditions index indicate?
The general business conditions index reflects the overall sentiment of manufacturers regarding current business conditions. A positive value indicates an expansion in activity, while a negative value suggests a contraction. In January, the index rose to 7.7, signaling a modest increase in manufacturing activity in New York State.
How does the survey impact the industrial sector?
The survey provides valuable insights into manufacturing trends, which can influence investor sentiment and market performance. For instance, the positive manufacturing data from New York aligns with the uptick in the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI), which tracks the industrial sector.
Where can I find more information about the Empire State Manufacturing Survey?
More detailed information and historical data can be found on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s official website.
Key Features of the Empire State Manufacturing Survey
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Survey Frequency | Monthly |
| Respondents | Manufacturers across New York State |
| Key Indicators | General business conditions, new orders, shipments, employment, prices |
| Purpose | To gauge manufacturing activity and trends in New York State |
| Source | Federal Reserve Bank of New York |
Now Happening on X
- @NYFedResearch (Jan 15, 2026): The Empire State Manufacturing Survey for January indicates a modest rise in activity, with the general business conditions index up to 7.7 from a negative reading last month. View on X
- @macro84 (Jan 15, 2026): NY Empire State Manufacturing Index rose more than expected to 7.7, driven by strong shipments and new orders, though employment weakened. View on X
- @MauiBoyMacro (Jan 15, 2026): Manufacturing activity in New York increased modestly per the January Empire State Survey, with the conditions index returning to positive territory at 7.7. View on X
- @Econoday (Jan 15, 2026): The Empire State Manufacturing Index hit 7.7 in January, showing growth with rising orders and shipments, but employment declined amid elevated input costs and optimism for the future. View on X
- @bobconfer (Jan 15, 2026): Business activity in New York State rose modestly to 7.7 on the Empire State Manufacturing Survey after a dip last month. View on X
- @BcDecodedX (Jan 15, 2026): Positive signal for US economy as Empire State Manufacturing Index jumps to 7.7, exceeding expectations and indicating expansion from contraction. View on X
- @rymondIncKenya (Jan 15, 2026): NY Fed Empire State Manufacturing Index back in expansion at 7.7, with improvements in orders and shipments, though jobs fell and prices remain elevated. View on X
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