Manufacturing activity in New York lowest since pandemic

January’s reading is the second lowest reading ever, outpaced only by the most significant drop in May 2020. It’s also even lower than during the severe 2007-09 recession.

Over the past two months, the index has plummeted 58.2 points, driven by a decline in new orders. Orders are a leading indicator of future business activity.

The prices paid index for manufacturing in New York moved higher by 6.5 points to 23.2, while the prices received index slipped two points to 9.5. Unfilled orders continued to shrink significantly, and delivery times have shortened, which usually happens when business dries up. Employment and hours worked also contracted, the report said.

“This outsized drop suggests January was a difficult month for New York manufacturers, with employment and hours worked also contracting,” said Richard Deitz, New York Fed’s economic research advisor.

Optimism about the next six months remained subdued, the report said.

The index for future business conditions was up seven points to 18.8, while improvement in investment plans was a welcome sign, with the capital-spending index increasing ten points to 13.7.