ISM: Manufacturing expansion continues
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in October for the 27th consecutive month, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.
The PMI registered 50.8 percent, a decrease of 0.8 percentage point when compared to September's reading of 51.6 percent. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.
The New Orders Index increased 2.8 percentage points from September to 52.4 percent, indicating a return to growth after three months of contraction. The Prices Index, at 41 percent, dropped 15 percentage points, and is below the 50 percent mark for the first time since May 2009 when it registered 43.5 percent.
"Comments from respondents are mixed, indicating positive relief from raw materials pricing and continuing strength in a few industries, but there is also more concern and caution about growth in this uncertain economy," said Bradley J. Holcomb, chair of the Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The May/June issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about GHX Industrial. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
