Empire State Manufacturing index, at 6.9, remained close to last month’s level. Analysts were anticipating incline to 8.1.The new orders index fell four points to -2.4, suggesting a small decline in orders, and the shipments index declined six points to 7.9. Labor market indicators pointed to a solid increase in employment levels and a lengthening in the average workweek.
Pricing pressures remained subdued, with the prices paid index inching down two points to 12.4, and the prices received index at 8.3. As in February, indexes for the six-month outlook conveyed less optimism than in many of the preceding months, and the capital spending and technology spending indexes declined.
Data did not have any major impact on the markets. Euro is currently being traded around 1.0550 level, Sterling is slightly below 1.48 handle, while Aussie is few points above 0.7640 area. Later today, Industrial Production figures are scheduled for a release.