The ISM Manufacturing Index registered 54.7 points in December, up 1.5 points from the previous month, according to the Institute for Supply Management. December’s reading indicates a fourth consecutive month of expansion in manufacturing, as readings over 50 points denote expansion. Of the eighteen manufacturing industries, eleven reported growth while six reported contraction.
The Employment Index rose 0.8 points to 53.1 in December, indicating expansion for the third consecutive month. Nine industries reported expansion, while six reported a decrease in employment.
The New Orders Index jumped 7.2 points to 60.2 in December, indicating growth for the fourth consecutive month. Twelve industries reported increases in new orders while four reported decreases.
Export orders increased 4.0 points to 56.0, indicating growth in exports for the tenth consecutive month. Eleven industries reported growth while none of the eighteen reported a decrease in new export orders.
The inventories index registered 47.0 points, indicating that raw materials inventories contracted for the 18th consecutive month.
Read the ISM release.
