Gardner Business Index

Real 10-Yr Rate Grinding Slowly Higher

By: Steven Kline, Jr.

The Federal Reserve has stated it will not pursue negative interest rates. Therefore, the only way for the change to be more negative is for inflation to increase, which is why the Federal Reserve has stated a new policy of average inflation targeting.

Bottom in Machine Tool Orders in Sight

By: Steven Kline, Jr.

The trend in the GBI: Metalworking indicates that machine tool orders will bottom out sometime between September and the first quarter of 2021.

Durable Goods New Orders Nearing a Bottom

By: Steven Kline, Jr.

A burst in consumer durable goods spending indicates that the annual rate of contraction in durable goods new orders may be near a bottom.

Disposable Income Growth Above Average for 5th Month

By: Steven Kline, Jr.

While disposable income growth was above its historic average rate, a significantly higher proportion of income was still coming from government transfer payments.

Consumer Durable Goods Spending Hits All-Time High for 3rd Straight Month

By: Steven Kline, Jr.

Spending patterns are changing due to the pandemic. Service and experience items are out. Goods that allow more isolated entertainment or tie in with a life of working from home are in.

Gardner Business Index: September 2020

By: Michael Guckes

The Gardner Business Index reported a second consecutive month of expansionary activity in September.  Large manufacturers and those serving the automotive and medical industries helped propel the Index higher.

How will YOU profit from California's Ban on ICE vehicles?

By: Michael Guckes

A significant change in California’s regulation of the state’s automotive market has significant ramifications for both the industry and the entire automotive supply chain.

Housing Permits Show Continued Strength

By: Steven Kline, Jr.

Total permits in the three-month period ending August 2020 were the highest three-month total since July 2007.

Cutting Tool Orders Nearing a Bottom

By: Steven Kline, Jr.

Recent changes in the Gardner Business Index indicate that the annual rate of contraction in cutting tool orders is nearing a bottom.

Durable Goods Production at Highest Level Since February

By: Steven Kline, Jr.

Compared with one year ago, the index contracted 8.1%, which was the fourth month in a row that the month-over-month rate of change in the index decelerated and the slowest rate of contraction since February. 

Capacity Utilization Improving

By: Steven Kline, Jr.

Compared with one year ago, capacity utilization contracted 8.5%, which was the fourth straight month that the month-over-month rate of change contracted at a slower rate and the slowest rate of contraction since February. 

3-Month Decline in U.S. Dollar Index May Assist in Further Improving Manufactured Exports Activity

By: Michael Guckes

The value of the U.S. dollar has fallen since April, this decline makes U.S. exports cheaper when converted to prices in foreign currencies and thus more price competitive.  This should be helpful in turning around the steep contraction in export order activity for manufactured goods since the start of COVID.