Michael Guckes Former Chief Economist & Director of Analytics

28 Jan 2020

Production Machining Activity Contraction Slows at Year End

The Precision Machining Index moved higher in the last month of 2019, registering 47.6. December’s relatively higher reading compared with the prior month’s indicates that business activity contracted at a slower rate in the latest month.

26 Dec 2019

Precision Machining Index Extends Contractionary Trend

The Precision Machining Index was relatively unchanged during November at 46.0; extending its contractionary trend for a fifth month.

9 Dec 2019

Aerospace and Automotive Continue to Provide Growth and Opportunity

This year has been one of transition for manufacturing. But research from Gardner Intelligence indicates that some markets, such as automotive and aerospace, are showing positive signs for 2020.

20 Nov 2019

Activity Contracts on Weak Orders and Contracting Backlogs

The Precision Machining Index registered 46.1 in October, indicating a slowing contraction in business activity.

16 Oct 2019

Precision Machining Index Experiences Third Month of Contracting Activity

The Precision Machining Index registered 45.9 in September, which marks for a third month of quickening contraction of business activity as reported by surveyed precision machinists.

18 Sep 2019

PMI Trends Lower on Weak Backlogs, Employment

The August PMI indicates that both foreign and domestic new orders contracted in August, but at a lesser rate than in July. Should these readings continue to close in on the 50 mark in the coming months, it will indicate a stabilization in the demand for production machined goods.

12 Aug 2019

Employment and Supplier Deliveries Lead PMI

The Precision Machining Index (PMI) ended 32 consecutive months of expanding activity readings with a July reading of 47.1. Readings above 50 indicate expanding activity and values below 50 indicate contracting activity.

12 Jul 2019

Industry Expansion Continues

The Precision Machining Index registered slowing growth in June with a reading of 50.9. Readings above 50 indicate expanding activity and values below 50 indicate contracting activity.