ISM Manufacturing Report on Business: November 2011

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Report on Business for the manufacturing sector indicating that manufacturing activity improved in November with assessments of many measures increasing.

At 52.7 the purchasing manager’s composite index (PMI) increased 3.74% since October but remained 9.45% below the level seen a year earlier.

Some respondents indicated that business in improving but orders remain weak:

"Business still holding its own. Some growth in margin now that some of the raw materials prices have abated. Oil is pushing $100 so that has not been favorable." (Chemical Products)

"Orders for the remaining two months have increased after an extended 'summer dip' in sales overall. We expect to finish the year approximately 10 percent above 2010." (Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components)

"Seeing a slight slowdown in orders; could be related to the holidays." (Primary Metals)

"Oil exploration seems to be really picking up. Government is permitting again, so business is the busiest we've ever seen." (Computer & Electronic Products)

"The EPS ruling about higher fees for coal-generated electricity can have a huge, negative impact on our business if implemented in January 2012. We are at the peak of our seasonal demand push." (Plastics & Rubber Products)

ISM Manufacturing Report on Business: June 2011

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Report on Business for the manufacturing sector indicating that economic activity continued to expand in June and at a faster pace than in May while most other measures strengthened.

At 55.3 the purchasing manager’s composite index (PMI) declined a whopping 11.42% since April and increased 3.36% above the level seen a year earlier.

Some respondents indicated increasing pressure on prices as higher energy prices stocked inflationary forces as well as weak economic trends and Japan earthquake related disruptions:

"We continue to see inflation, though at a reduced rate [compared] to earlier months." (Chemical Products)

"Slight slowdown in overall business in both domestic and international markets, although still above 2010 at the same time." (Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components)

"The earthquake and related issues in Japan have caused shortages of some automotive equipment, negatively impacting global automotive production." (Fabricated Metal Products)

"Sales continue to be stronger than expected across both retail and industrial channels. Material costs are definitely rising and will force increases to end-use customers." (Paper Products)

"High commodity prices continue to be worrisome." (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)

"Business is still up and down, with no real upside potential for us until the housing market rebounds." (Furniture & Related Products)

"Customers are still being cautious with their buying. Certain plastics and metal prices continue to rise." (Machinery)

ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: March 2011

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that service related economic activity pulled back notably throughout March.

At 59.7 the business activity index weakened dropping 10.76% since February but still remaining 2.75% above the level seen a year earlier.