NEWS

Supply Chains Greatly Restrain Production Levels While Revenues Are Less Affected

1/19/2022

December’s U.S. motor vehicle sales fell below 13 million units for only the second time since June 2020.

What it Means for the U.S. that Chinese Producer Prices Ended 2021 Over 10% Above Year Ago Levels

1/14/2022

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 Chains Making Modest Progress Returning to "Normal"

1/6/2022

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.

Gardner Business Index - December 2021: 57.6

1/3/2022

GBI Ends 2021 Slightly Better Than Where the Year Started

Fed Virtually Assures Borrowing Costs to Rise in 2022 In Latest Meeting

12/16/2021

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.  

How Are Wages are BOTH Up and Down At the Same Time

12/10/2021

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.

Gardner Business Index - November 2021: 59.0

12/1/2021

Business Activity Expansion Slows Across Most Metrics The Gardner Business Index (GBI) reported slowing expansion during November with a closing reading of 59.0.

Median Home Prices Up 27-Percent In 15-Months

11/29/2021

The appreciation of home prices in the 5-quarter period ending September 2021 may be the fastest in recorded history going back to 1963.

Gardner Business Index - October 2021

11/1/2021

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.

Capacity Utilization Growing Faster Throughout Manufacturing

10/19/2021

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.