Precision Machining Index Rebounded Registering 56.2 for January 2019, the Gardner Business Index (GBI): Precision Machining Index rebounded from December's two year low reading. Over the 2017 and 2018 calendar years, the Production Machining Index averaged 56.2, marking the fastest and longest expansionary business cycle in Gardner's recorded history. January's readings for production and new [...]
Manufacturing Conditions Improved in March The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia released its March 2019 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey and reports manufacturing conditions improved in the region this month. The indicators for general activity, new orders and shipments returned to positive territory while the employment indicator remained positive. US Raw Steel Production ACUR 82.9% In [...]
Consumer Spending Bounced Back in January January retail sales showed that consumer spending bounced back in January but not enough to offset a weak December. Wells Fargo Small Businesses Remain Upbeat About Economy The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index stabilized and rose in February. With the government shutdown in the [...]
Non-Manufacturing Index Bounced Back 3 Points The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Non-Manufacturing Index bounced back three points in February. The stronger-than-expected reading suggests that the service sector continues to expand at a solid rate. Wells Fargo New Home Sales Rose in December New home sales rose in December although downward revisions to the data [...]
MNI Chicago Business Barometer Hit Highest Point Since December 2017 The February 2019 MNI Chicago Business Barometer hit highest point since December 2017, rising by 8 points to 64.7. Optimism returned, with most Barometer components back at December 2018's level after a dip in January, indicating temporary factors at play in January (i.e... the government [...]
