ISM-New York December 2014 Report on Business At 70.8

MELVILLE, N.Y. - Jan. 5, 2015 - PRLog -- NEW YORK CITY REPORT ON BUSINESS
2014 Ends on a High Note

New York City business activity expanded at the fastest pace in four years, according to the survey taken by the Institute for Supply Management-New York (ISM-New York).

Current Business Conditions rose to 70.8 in December,the highest level since October 2010. Readings above 70 have occurred only five percent of the time in the 21-year history of the Report on Business.

Future optimism hit a 10-month high. The Six-Month Outlook came in at 72.9 in December, the fifth month in the last six above the lofty 70 threshold.

Job growth bounced back after cooling in November.  Employment advanced to 56.8 in December.

Purchase volume stayed in neutral. Quantity of Purchases maintained a 50.0 level in December for a second consecutive month.

The top line and forward guidance both accelerated.  Current Revenues rose to 69.0 in December, and Expected Revenues improved to 76.2 in December.

Price measures moderated. Prices Paid was at 54.5 in December, and Prices Received edged down to 55.0 in December.

Potential Business Opportunities/Impediments: Notable positive tones were evident for skilled labor, banking, interest rates and the exchange rate. Energy costs were a net opportunity for the first time. Cost of benefits and cost of labor continued to top net impediments.