December’s U.S. motor vehicle sales fell below 13 million units for only the second time since June 2020.
Since the early 2000’s fluctuations in Chinese producer prices have moved directionally with U.S. inflation. Recent and historical data may hold insights to near-term inflation in the U.S.
Supply chain readings during the fourth quarter of 2021 declined from both their 2021 and all-time highs. For manufacturers this will be welcomed news.
GBI Ends 2021 Slightly Better Than Where the Year Started
The latest meeting of the Federal Reserve Banks ended December 15th, 2021. In this latest meeting Bank presidents made decisive decisions designed to combat rising inflation. These actions will also ultimately result in higher borrowing costs for manufacturers.
Rising prices within supply chains has already created cost control problems for manufacturers; unfortunately, there is an even more concerning “dark cloud” coming as workers see paychecks rise while their standard of living decreases. This could lead to additional rounds of wage increases.
Business Activity Expansion Slows Across Most Metrics
The Gardner Business Index (GBI) reported slowing expansion during November with a closing reading of 59.0.
The appreciation of home prices in the 5-quarter period ending September 2021 may be the fastest in recorded history going back to 1963.
The Gardner Business Index (GBI) moved nearly 3-points higher in October to end at 60.7. Gains were widespread thanks to quickening activity in backlogs, new orders, production, and employment.
Year-over-year growth in durable goods capacity utilization was the strongest since September 2011. Every industry we track except automotive and wood/paper products was growing at an accelerating rate in September.
Durable goods new orders continue to grow at an accelerating rate, which would indicate that durable goods production should see accelerating growth. However, the shorter time frame rate of change in industrial production is pointing to slower annual growth is ahead.
After one month of weak growth in July, housing permits grew 22.5% in August, marking the 5th month in the last six that housing permits grew more than 20%. In particular, this is a positive indicator for plastics processing production.
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