News
Manufacturing Employment and Future Business Activity Indexes Increase in New York
Manufacturing activity in New York state increased in October, with the headline general business conditions index rising 19.4 points to 10.7. The new orders index jumped 23.3 points to 3.7, while the shipments index surged 31.7 points to 14.4. Unfilled orders stepped up from -6.9 to -3.9, while inventories advanced 3.9 points to -1.0, indicating …
Philadelphia Manufacturers Are Optimistic About Future Growth
In October, Philadelphia’s regional manufacturing activity declined following growth in September. Falling from 23.2 to -12.8, the index for current general business activity recorded its largest decline since April. This month, 25.2% of firms reported decreases in activity, while just 12.4% of firms noted increases. The index for new orders improved, rising from 12.4 to …
Manufacturing Job Training Gets Creative
Manufacturing Dive). What’s going on: “Emerging programs are increasingly going beyond simple vocational training by targeting students early or in underserved communities, offering direct pathways to employment and exposing trainees to advanced tech skills.” The changes are a direct response to the longtime shortfall of manufacturing workers, which could reach 1.9 million if current trends …
Sukup, Toyota Ramp Up Child Care Benefits for Workers
Manufacturing Dive). What’s going on: Sheffield, Iowa–based Sukup Manufacturing Co., a maker of farm equipment that employs some 600 people, saw just such a need a few years ago. So the company “formed a coalition with West Fork School District and United Bank & Trust Co. to raise money for a local child care center. …
NAM Welcomes New Board Members
The NAM’s mission of supporting the people who make things in America would not be possible without the organization’s board of directors. Say hello: The NAM is pleased to announce its newest board members—committed and exemplary professionals dedicated to the success of manufacturing in the United States. The newest members will begin their two-year terms …
Stability Emerges as Markets with Strong Local Economies Thrive
In July, the S&P Cotality Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index recorded a 1.7% annual gain, one of the weakest annual price increases in the past decade. The 10-City Composite saw an annual increase of 2.3% in July, down from 2.7% the previous month, while the 20-City Composite rose 1.8% year-over-year, down from 2.2%. …
Consumer Confidence Falls to Lowest Level Since April
Consumer confidence decreased 3.6 points in September to 94.2, the lowest level since April. Among its components, the Present Situation Index and Expectations Index both declined, with consumers’ pessimism about future job availability and future business conditions being partially mitigated by stronger expectations about future income. The Present Situation Index, reflecting current business and labor …
Texas Manufacturing Business Conditions Worsen in September
In September, Texas factory activity continued to expand but at a slower pace than the prior month. The production index declined from 15.3 to 5.2, falling below the average of 9.6. Other measures also moved down in September, pointing to slower growth. The new orders index fell 8.4 points into negative territory in September, decreasing …
Production Increases, Tariffs Continue to Weigh on Business Confidence
The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI was 52.0 in September, down slightly from the August reading of 53.0. New orders increased for the ninth consecutive month, although at a slower rate and below the survey average. Tariffs continued to hit exports, particularly to Canada and Mexico, and lead to increased input and output costs in September. …
Global Prices Pressures Ease in September
In September, global manufacturing activity was relatively unchanged from August, inching down from 50.9 to 50.8. Output and new orders both rose for the second consecutive month in September. However, these increases failed to stimulate other gains, with staffing levels remaining stable for the second consecutive month and new export business falling for the sixth …
