From the NY Fed: Empire State Manufacturing Survey
Manufacturing firms in New York State reported that business activity continued to expand strongly. The general business conditions index was little changed at 17.7. … The index for number of employees fell nineteen points to 3.8, a level suggesting only a small increase in employment levels. The average workweek index fell to a level near zero, indicating that hours worked were unchanged.
Looking ahead, firms remained optimistic about the six-month outlook. The index for future business conditions edged up two points to 48.6. The index for future inventories rose to 20.3, a record high, indicating that firms expect to build up inventories significantly in the months ahead. The index for future number of employees rose three points to 26.9, a multiyear high.
emphasis added
This was slightly below expectations, but still a solid report.