US Empire State manufacturing general business condition rose sharply to 12.9 in February, up from 4.8, beat expectation of 5.1. Looking at some details, new orders jumped from 6.6. to 22.1. However, number of employees dropped from 9.0 to 16.7. Prices paid dropped from 31.5 to 25.0. But prices received rose from 14.4 to 16.7. Six month expectations dropped from 23.6 to 22.9.