Business activity grew strongly in New York State in May, according to firms responding to the Empire State Manufacturing Survey. The headline general business conditions index climbed nine points to 19.6, its highest level in more than four years. New orders and shipments increased considerably for the second consecutive month. Unfilled orders rose. Delivery times lengthened substantially, and supply availability worsened somewhat. Employment levels and the average workweek both continued to increase. The pace of input price increases and selling price increases picked up sharply. Looking ahead, firms grew more ... (full story)