Story perspectives

New York Manufacturing Index Drops, Yet Optimism Grows

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Empire State Manufacturing Index declined to 7.1 in February from 7.7 in January.
Despite the drop, factory activity in New York State continues to grow, with firms optimistic about capital spending plans reaching a multiyear high.
Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal anticipated the index would rise to 10.0.
This marks the fourth positive reading in the last five months, indicating ongoing growth in the manufacturing sector.

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Story summary

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Empire State Manufacturing Index declined to 7.1 in February from 7.7 in January.
Despite the drop, factory activity in New York State continues to grow, with firms optimistic about capital spending plans reaching a multiyear high.
Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal anticipated the index would rise to 10.0.
This marks the fourth positive reading in the last five months, indicating ongoing growth in the manufacturing sector.