Manufacturing positions in the United States are among the hardest to fill as the labor market remains tight, a key government report released on Tuesday shows. … READ MORE >
Industrials
Factory orders stall in latest Institute for Supply Management Index
The Institute for Supply Management index—a key gauge of U.S. factory activity—dropped to 51.7 in June, from 52.1 a month earlier, pulled lower primarily by economic uncertainty over trade issues. The index posted its third straight monthly decline and the weakest level since October 2016. … READ MORE >
SCOTUS rejects challenge to administration’s steel tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a case seeking to overturn the administration’s power to impose more than $4 billion in steel tariffs, turning away an appeal that challenged its use of national security as the legal justification for the United States’ trade agenda. … READ MORE >
Philadelphia Fed’s manufacturing gauge weakens sharply in June
Philadelphia Fed’s manufacturing gauge falls in June, registering its lowest level since February when the index registered zero. … READ MORE >
U.S. manufacturing index registers lowest level since October 2016
A measure of U.S. manufacturing activity unexpectedly fell in May to the lowest level since October 2016. … READ MORE >
ISM manufacturing survey points toward further moderation
Those looking for stabilization in the downward trajectory of U.S. manufacturing sentiment will have to wait until mid-year.The April 2019 Institute for Supply Management Report on Business – an important gauge of U.S. factories – arrived below expectations with the top line index slowing to 52.8 from 55.3, the weakest level since late 2016. … READ MORE >
Economic risk tied to closing the U.S.-Mexico border
A sustained hard closure of the U.S. border with Mexico would trigger a recession in both the United States and Mexico within six months. The automotive sector, in particular, is vulnerable. … READ MORE >
Section 232 automotive tariffs and their impact on Europe
Under section 232 of The Trade Expansion Act of 1962, The Trump administration has the authority to impose tariffs on automotive imports from the UK, the European Union and Asia. RSM’s chief economist discusses their impact on the European economy. … READ MORE >
Manufacturers face tight labor, rising wages in 2019
Forecasts call for manufacturing growth to increase faster than the general economy in coming years, with production estimated to rise 2.8 percent from 2018 to 2021, according to the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation Foundation (MAPI). This sustained growth will continue to put strains on manufacturers as they compete for an ever-shrinking pool of talent. … READ MORE >