The May 2015 Empire State Manufacturing Survey indicates that business conditions improved slightly for New York manufacturers. The headline general business conditions index climbed four points to 3.1. The new orders index rose ten points to 3.9, and the shipments index was little changed at 14.9. Labor market indicators pointed to a small increase in employment levels but a slight decline in the average workweek. The prices paid index fell ten points to 9.4, its lowest level in nearly three years, and the prices received index edged down to 1.0, indicating that selling prices were flat. The index for future general ... (full story)