The manufacturing sector in the New York metropolitan area experienced a surprising downturn in October, confounding expert predictions. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's latest report reveals a sharp decline in business activity, with the index plummeting to -11.9 from September's positive 11.5.
This dramatic shift caught so called 'economists' off guard as usual, as forecasts had suggested a modest growth to +3.0. The negative reading indicates a contraction in the sector, raising concerns about the region's economic health.
Key findings:
  • New orders index: -10.2 (down from +9.4)
  • Employment index: +4.1 (up from -5.7)
  • Prices received: +10.8 (up from +7.4)
We need another proxy war. Asap.
Major seasonal layoffs?
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Rising borrowing costs as the Federal Reserve battles high inflation has cooled demand for goods, which are typically purchased on credit.
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