New York Manufacturing Index Rises Again

New York, NY, Feb. 15, 2012 -- The Empire State manufacturing index rose to 19.5 in February, its highest level since June 2010, according to the New York Federal Reserve Bank.

This is the fourth straight large increase after the index had fallen below zero from June through October.

The size of the gain in February surprised analysts. Economists expected the index to rise to 15.0 in February from 13.5 in January.

The new orders index fell to 9.7 in February from 13.7 in January, while shipments edged slightly higher.