The latest economic data for New York is out from the National Association of Purchasing Management, and it's perhaps no surprise that higher energy costs are slowing down economic growth in the city. However, the impact of higher energy prices has thus far been much less than expected: according to the New York Report on Busines, non-manufacturing activity was 65.5 in September, only slightly lower than the level of 66.2 recorded in August. In addition, purchasing managers are currently more optimistic about the future than they have been at any time in the past four months: "The outlook index, which reflects expectations of business conditions six months from now, stands at 70." (Any number above 50 is an indicator of economic growth)