The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index climbed to 25.5 in October from 7.6 in September, beating forecasts of 10.3 and signalling the strongest improvement in New York manufacturing conditions in nearly five years. New orders increased markedly and shipments grew. Unfilled orders rose, delivery times lengthened substantially, and supply availability worsened further. Inventories increased. Employment continued to rise modestly and the average workweek rose. The pace of input and selling price increases remained elevated. Firms continued to expect conditions to improve in the months ahead, though optimism moderated.