The general index that measures manufacturing activity in this region rose to 12 points in August, returning to positive territory after falling to -13.5 points in July, according to the monthly survey published this Thursday by the regional branch of the Federal Reserve (Fed ).
The survey was carried out among industrialists in the region between August 7 and 14.
The index that measures activity in that reference region in the United States fell 6 points compared to June, settling at 1.1 points, according to the Empire State monthly survey, published this Monday by the New York branch of the Federal Reserve ( Fed, central bank) and carried out among industrialists in the region.
Some analysts were anticipating a zero index, according to the survey by the specialized site Briefing.com, which means that the activity would have remained identical to that of the previous month. Others even expected a larger contraction in activity and an index of -8.8 points, according to Market Watch.
New factory orders rose slightly in July, the Fed’s New York affiliate said, while delivery times shortened and inventories continued to fall.
The index that measures the evolution of the manufacturing activity in this highly industrialized region, and taken as a reference in the United States, it plummeted 43 points in May compared to April, falling to -31.8, according to the monthly Empire State survey. An index below 50 points already indicates slowdown and contraction.
This is the largest decline in manufacturing activity in the last three decades, say experts.
FOUNTAIN: AP and AFP
