The Empire State manufacturing index likely rose a few points to 12.00 in December. We look for a roughly 2-point rise to 12.00 in the December Empire State manufacturing survey. Back in October the overall index of general business conditions fell over 21 points to a level considerably below its 6-month average. The November rise partly reversed the drop and we expect the survey to continue to move higher toward healthier levels seen earlier this year. Forwardlooking components, including new orders and employment, were at healthy levels in November and point to increased overall activity in December.   ... (full story)