WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Conditions for New York state manufacturers improved markedly in October, according to a report released Friday morning.

The New York Fed’s Empire State manufacturing survey jumped nearly 12 points to 15.7. Economists polled by MarketWatch expected the gauge to climb to 6.5 from 4.1 in September.

The New York Fed said it’s a clear gain over the relatively low but positive readings seen from July through September. Fewer respondents said conditions had worsened, and the new orders index moved higher. The shipments index rose above zero, climbing 20 points to 19.4.

The New York report was the first of several regional surveys that get produced, ahead of the national Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing gauge.

Separate reports out Friday showed an increase in retail sales and little inflation in September, and a decline in consumer confidence in October.See retail sales report