A button-sewer works on pants being manufactured at the Dynotex...

A button-sewer works on pants being manufactured at the Dynotex Inc. garment factory in Greenpoint. (July 11, 2012). Credit: Bloomberg News, 2012

Manufacturing conditions in New York State declined in January for the sixth consecutive month, according to the Empire State Manufacturing Survey, a report of state manufacturing activity compiled by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

The general business conditions index for January fell to negative 7.8, a slight drop from December's reading of negative 7.3. A reading below zero indicates that business activity is contracting.

Economists polled by Bloomberg had expected a negative 0.2 reading for the index. Many had expected manufacturing conditions to strengthen after superstorm Sandy battered the region in late October.

The manufacturing survey for New York serves as an early indicator on overall U.S. manufacturing conditions for the month.

Photo: A button-sewer works on pants being manufactured at Dynotex Inc. garment factory in Greenpoint. 

U.S., Iran agree to 2-week cease fire ... Glen Cove Taco Bell getting rebrand ... Getting the most from college campus tours Credit: Newsday

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U.S., Iran agree to 2-week cease fire ... Glen Cove Taco Bell getting rebrand ... Getting the most from college campus tours Credit: Newsday

Plea day for alleged Gilgo killer ... U.S., Iran agree to 2-week cease fire ... Getting the most from college campus tours ... Picture This: Building the LIE

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