The Empire State index rose more than 3-1/2 points to 15.43 to indicate monthly growth in general activity at an accelerating rate. Details show less strength with new orders decelerating slightly but still showing strong growth at 11.80. Shipments slowed in half but again are strong at a reading of 11.31. One reading that isn't positive is a slowing in hiring to only 3.61.
Other details are mostly positive. The rate of inventory build doubled in the month to 9.64 while the draw in unfilled orders was half December's rate. Price data show increasing cost pressure for inputs and solid, steady pricing power for outputs. This report hints at another month of strength, though perhaps a little less strength, for the manufacturing sector at the national level.
The pricing power, of course, also signals the likely price inflation ahead.
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