Business activity held steady in New York State following a sharp decline last month, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s September survey. The headline general business conditions index climbed thirty points to -1.5. New orders edged higher, and shipments increased sharply.

The index for number of employees was little changed at 9.7, pointing to a modest increase in employment levels, and the average workweek index climbed to around zero, indicating no change in hours worked. The index for future business conditions rose six points to 8.2, suggesting little optimism about the six-month outlook. The index for future new orders remained depressed, though employment is expected to pick up.