Even as space and intelligence companies grappled with a tight labor market and inflation in the second quarter, they still capitalized on vertical integration efforts and successful launch test phases to remain competitive, according to recent earnings calls. Executives said they were seeking to ... READ MORE >
Industrials
Manufacturers of all stripes dominate the middle market, making everything from scanners to seatbelts. They create inputs for larger, well-known brands, producing colorants in foods, materials for construction, components for motorcycles and much more.
ISM manufacturing: Sentiment points to modest increase in growth
Manufacturing sentiment in August pointed toward a modest acceleration in growth inside the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing survey, even as the headline number stayed flat at 52.8 compared to July. This data, which was released on Thursday, will almost certainly bolster calls for a ... READ MORE >
RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index: Decline in new orders leads a slowdown
The RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index indicates a slowing manufacturing sector. This month’s reading of 1.47 standard deviations below normal manufacturing activity is the fourth month of decreased manufacturing since May after nearly two years of expansion. While employment remains solid, current ... READ MORE >
Earnings call roundup: Defense technology
Defense technology executives discussed supply chain and labor challenges recently during their second-quarter earnings calls. These businesses aren’t simply trying to get past the short-term challenges. They are also strategizing and investing in long-term solutions. Expectations of greater defense ... READ MORE >
Core capital goods investments grow while pending home sales fall
Strong durable goods orders and shipments in July showed that businesses continue to make long-term investments despite rising prices and concerns of a recession. Although the top-line number for new orders reported by the Commerce Department on Wednesday remained flat on the month compared to June, ... READ MORE >
Industrial production rose in July, tempering recession fears despite housing starts drop
While a sharp drop in U.S. housing starts in July will continue to put a dent in the residential investment component of third-quarter gross domestic product, the strong bounce back of industrial production volume should temper recession fears. U.S. industrial production beat estimates last month, ... READ MORE >
RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index: Sour topline sentiment despite robust shipments
The RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index showed modest improvement over the last month, likely due to a combination of easing oil and energy costs as well as improved external demand despite weaker domestic economic activity. Although current shipments remain robust, new orders moved lower, which implies ... READ MORE >
Manufacturing sector activity hits lowest level in two years
U.S. manufacturing sector activity continued to slow in July to its lowest level in two years as demand and prices cooled off, the Institute of Supply Management reported on Monday. The manufacturing purchasing managers’ index inched down to 52.8 from 53 the previous month, still indicating growth as ... READ MORE >
Unexpectedly strong durable goods orders and trade data temper recession concerns
U.S. durable goods orders and the goods trade deficit in June beat expectations, according to data released Wednesday, tempering recession concerns before the Federal Reserve is expected to announce a rate hike later in the day. On top of that, shipments of nondefense capital goods excluding aircraft—a ... READ MORE >
RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index shows a slowing industrial sector
The RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index declined in June, signaling a slowdown in overall economic activity. The reading of 1.1 standard deviations below normal suggests that tighter financial conditions and the energy shock are taking a toll on the industrial sector. Our index is a composite of surveys ... READ MORE >