August PMI Increased 3.2 Percentage Points The August PMI increased 3.2 percentage points from the July reading of 58.1 percent to register 61.3 percent, according to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) August 2018 Manufacturing ISM Report on Business. Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in August and the overall economy grew for the 112th consecutive [...]
US Raw Steel Production Notched Another Gain US raw steel production notched another gain last week, rising 0.5% as mills operated at an ACUR of 79.5%. In the corresponding week last year mills operated at an ACUR of 75.8%. Thus far this year mills have produced prox 59,000,000 tons compared to the prox 57,000,000 tons [...]
Chicago Business Barometer Highest Level Since January The Chicago Business Barometer at highest level since January, rose to 64.1 in June. New orders were up for the second straight month while prices paid reached their highest level since May 2011. Lead times and backlogs also increased in June. Texas Factory Activity Continued in June The [...]
Texas Manufacturing Production Index Reached 12-Year High The Texas manufacturing production index reached a 12-year high, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey. It reports Texas manufacturing activity rose markedly in May. The production index, a key measure of state manufacturing conditions, increased 10 points to a 12-year high (35.2) [...]
North American Steel Output Increased North American steel output increased by 4.9% year on year in March to 10.29 million tons. Steel production in the USA inched up by 5.3% year on year to 7.26 million tons. AMM Global crude steel production rose by 4% year on year in March, partly attributed to Chinese production. [...]
Caterpillar Sales and Profit Forecast Raised Caterpillar sales and profit forecast raised as demand for construction and mining equipment has grown. WSJ Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Increased at an Annual Rate of 3.0 Percent Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 3.0 percent in the third quarter of 2017, according [...]
Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) Reports Improvements in Production-related Indicators We begin the week with the release of the Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) which reports that improvements in production-related indicators the CFNAI rose to +0.49 in April from +0.07 in March. Two of the four broad categories of indicators that make up [...]
Universal Stainless is Raising Base Prices Stainless steel bar producer Universal Stainless & Alloy Products is raising base prices for stainless bar products manufactured at three of its facilities, by 5% effective March 27. Current material and energy surcharges will remain in effect. The Bridgeville, Pa specialty steelmaker increased prices in February for low-alloy vacuum-arc [...]
