Empire Manufacturing Index Negative Again

New York, NY, Dec. 17, 2012 -- The Empire State manufacturing index was negative for the fifth month in a row in December.

The index fell to negative 8.1 in December from negative 5.2 in November. Readings below zero indicate a decline in activity.

Economists expected the index to return to positive territory.

Manufacturers in areas hit by Superstorm Sandy estimated that revenues in October were 7% lower than otherwise would have been.