Business activity declined slightly in New York State in December, according to firms responding to the Empire State Manufacturing Survey. The headline general business conditions index fell twenty-three points to -3.9. New orders held steady while shipments decreased modestly. Delivery times quickened, unfilled orders declined, and supply availability worsened. Inventories expanded. Employment increased modestly and the average workweek edged up. The pace of both input price increases and selling price increases moderated but remained elevated. Capital spending plans increased somewhat. Firms grew increasingly ... (full story)