Manufacturers reported a stronger month than distributors in February, but business continued to expand for both groups, according to the most recent ISA Economic Indicator Report (EIR) from the Industrial Supply Association.
The ISA Manufacturer Index rose from 62 percent in January to 63.2 percent in February, while the Distributor Index decreased from 66.4 percent in January to 59.2 percent in February. For each index, a reading above 50 percent indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 percent indicates contraction. The indexes have been above 50 percent since December 2012.
“The results for ISA manufacturer members in February appeared to mirror the factory output report from the Federal Reserve, which showed business improved in February compared to January,” said Bryon Shafer, general manager of ASG Industrial and chair of ISA’s Strategic Information Committee. “For distributors, however, growth in February slowed somewhat compared to the previous month. At 59.2 percent, the Distributor Index remains firmly in positive territory.”
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