New York Manufacturing Index Declines

April 17, 2006 8:40 AM, EDT

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anufacturing growth slowed in New York state in April, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported Monday.

The regional Fed’s “Empire State index” fell to 15.8 from a reading of 29 in March, the Fed said. Readings above zero indicate expansion.

The level was well below economists’ forecast of a 24.3 reading, Bloomberg reported. Manufacturing is one of trucking’s largest and most important customers.

The Empire State index reached a record high of 39.6 in February 2004.