#ECONOMICS

Metalworking Activity Remained Contractionary in December

Metalworking activity remained contractionary at the same rate as in November. Stable contraction is relatively good in the current environment.

Metalworking Activity Contracted in November

Contraction was hard to dodge with metalworking activity expansion steadily slowing since March.

Mixed Bag Ahead for US Metalworking Economy

While what has been an extraordinarily robust manufacturing economy has softened in recent months, and the near-term outlook appears to be more of the same, the overall scenario remains strong. Even a possible recession next year does not appear to be an obstacle to continued growth over the next few years.

Metalworking Activity Stays Flat in October

The GBI for Metalworking reflects stability of most of the six GBI components that had been losing ground months prior. Ordinarily underwhelming, flat is good when it means not contracting.

Metalworking Activity Flattens in September

It has been nearly two years since the Gardner Business Index for Metalworking was 50.

Metalworking Growth Stays Consistent in August

All components of metalworking activity contributed to the consistent slowdown in the past few months.

Metalworking Growth Posts Another Month of Steady Slowing

All components of metalworking activity in July 2022 contributed to the slowdown in what has become a consistent pattern the past few months. 

Metalworking Expansion Steadily Slows

All components of metalworking activity contributed to the slowdown, most of them for the second month in a row. 

Breaking News from 2021 World Machine Tool Survey

Move over, July GBI! Gardner Intelligence offers a special update on the World Machine Tool Survey in place of its typical Gardner Business Index column.

Metalworking Expansion Slows Slightly in April

Many components of metalworking activity stayed the same in April, with some expanding faster and others slightly slower for at least a second.

March Metalworking Activity Continues January Trends

The Gardner Business Index: Metalworking saw expanding activity in new orders, production and backlog at slightly increased rates in March.

February Metalworking Activity Continues January’s Uptick

Gardner Intelligence's Metalworking Index readings reveal an overall gain, with increased new orders and production activity.

Metalworking Activity Starts 2022 With Modest Boost

GBI: Metalworking reflected greater levels of activity in new orders, production and backlogs with a modest increase for January 2022.

December Metalworking Results Extend Recent Trends

The December 2021 Metalworking Index reflects ongoing supply chain disruption, with four of the six Index components registering slowing expansion.

Metalworking Activity Reports Slowing Expansion

Will new year see additional price increases? Surveying indicates more shops passing price increases onto consumers.

Metalworking Index Up On the Return of Employees

Record hiring activity lifts overall metalworking index for October, with near-record readings in material prices and supply chain disruption.

Metalworking Production Impaired by Payrolls and Supply Chain

Stalling payrolls and congested supply chains weigh on production, as the metalworking index signals slowing expansion.

Metalworking Index Cools with Slowing Growth in New Orders and Production Activity

Slowing growth in production and employment activity elevated backlogs, but weighed down overall metalworking activity.

Metalworking Index Eases After Setting All-Time High

The Gardner Business Index: Metalworking had a July reading of 61.2, indicating a slowing expansion, while supplier backlogs and new orders remain largely unchanged. 

Metalworking Index Sets New Record, Lifted by Record Backlog

The Gardner Business Index: Metalworking showed a reading of 63.8 for June, breaking its all-time high for the second time this year.

Metalworking Index Holds Steady After Scorching First Quarter

The Gardner Business Index: Metalworking held at a reading of 62.2 through April, indicating a constant level of expansion.

Metalworking Index Plateaus After Blistering First Quarter

Expansion of the Metalworking Index slowed in April, falling slightly to 62.2. Every component reported expanding activity, with the exception of exports.

Most GBI Metalworking Index Components Near All-Time Highs

The GBI: Metalworking has reached a reading of 62.8, with most of the Index components at or near all-time highs.

Business Activity Accelerates Thanks to New Orders and Employment

Slow supply chains and rising prices are still challenges in the near-term.    

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