US DATA: Feb NY Fed Empire State mfg text: “indicates that
manufacturing activity in New York State expanded for a third
consecutive month. The general business conditions index rose six points
to 19.5, its highest level in more than a year. The new orders index, at
9.7, was positive but down slightly, and the shipments index was little
changed at 22.8. The prices paid index held steady at 25.9, while the
prices received index fell eight points to 15.3, suggesting that selling
prices rose at a slower pace. Employment indexes were positive and close
to last months levels, indicating that employment levels and the
average workweek continued to rise at a modest pace. Indexes for the
sixmonth outlook, while somewhat lower than last month, remained at
fairly high levels, signaling considerable optimism about the future.”