Business activity from the manufacturing sector in the New York region grew strongly in August after a strong boost in July. The August Empire Manufacturing Index came in at 20.6, up from 15.6 in July and is at its highest reading in more than four years.
U.S. tractor and farm equipment shipments increased slightly in June after sliding the previous two months. Shipments came in at a $2.408 billion rate, up 0.3% from May but down 7.5% from last June.
New orders for manufactured durable goods increased in June, now up for the third time in the last four months. June new orders came in at a $334.8 billion rate, up 0.3% from May.
Domestic hot-dipped galvanized lead times climbed sharply last week, signaling increased pressure on coated steel availability.
