New York factory activity jumps to 25.5 in October, its highest level in nearly five years
The New York Fed's Empire State survey shows the general business conditions index up 18 points. New orders and shipments rose, and prices paid remain elevated.
The New York Fed's Empire State Manufacturing Survey, released on 15 October 2026, shows the headline general business conditions index up 18 points to 25.5. The survey covered responses collected from 2 to 9 October. The Bank's economist said the headline index had reached its highest level in nearly five years.
The components
- New orders: increased markedly
- Shipments: grew
- Unfilled orders: rose 8 points to 14.0
- Delivery times: lengthened, with the index at 19.8
- Supply availability: worsened further
- Inventories: increased
- Employment: continued to grow modestly, and the average workweek rose
- Prices paid: fell 4 points from a four-year high to 59.5
- Prices received: rose 3 points to 30.6
Firms expect conditions to improve in the months ahead, but the survey says optimism moderated.
Reading it
Prices paid are still well above the levels of a year ago, and the Bank's economist described the pace of input and selling price increases as elevated. The survey covers New York State manufacturers only, so it is a regional indicator. Lengthening delivery times and worsening supply availability can also lift the headline index without any extra demand, which is worth bearing in mind alongside the Philadelphia Fed's October survey. For the national view, see the ISM report for September. Live prices: EUR/USD.
Sources
Common questions
What was the Empire State manufacturing index in October 2026?
The general business conditions index rose 18 points to 25.5, the highest level in nearly five years, according to the New York Fed.
What did the October 2026 Empire State survey say about prices?
Prices paid fell 4 points from a four-year high to 59.5, while prices received rose 3 points to 30.6.
Is the Empire State survey a national indicator?
No. It covers manufacturers in New York State, so it is a regional gauge.
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Related reading
Discussions on this topic
- Would a short regional-survey summary box make FTC's factory articles easier to use? Tell us how you read them
- Two regional surveys disagreed this month. How do you avoid trading the one that agrees with your view?
- Do you trade regional factory surveys like Empire State and Philly Fed, or wait for the national ISM?
- New York's factory index jumped to 25.5 while Philadelphia's fell to 20.9. Which regional survey do you trust?
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