According to the New York Federal Reserve, its Empire State manufacturing survey improved to 15.6 in July, significantly surpassing expectations of 6.2 and marking a sharp rise from June's 5.7 reading. The better-than-expected data triggered a rally in gold prices, which climbed to session highs at $4,063.13 per ounce, up 0.25% on the day.
The regional survey showed broad-based improvements across the manufacturing sector. New orders jumped nineteen points to 22.2 and shipments rose sixteen points to 24.4, marking a four-year high. Employment also strengthened, with the index reaching 11.4, its highest level since December 2022.