ISM

Weather and season often offer wonderful metaphors for economics.  Recent storms sweeping the nation are no exception.  Here in Southern California, we’ve had a real winter (by California standards, of course) for the first time in what seems like years; take the above photo from Jerry S.

America’s economy was split in November 2019 according to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).  The nation’s manufacturing base continued to contract, falling for a fourth consecutive period.  However, non-manufacturing pushed its string of expansions further, reaching 118 months of growth in a row.

America’s economy continued growing in February 2019 according to two indicators from the Institute for Supply Management.  Each month they survey purchasing managers from firms representing the manufacturing and services segments of the economy.  In this latest survey, each side was well above minimum levels associated with growth. 

America’s economy continued growing in February 2019 according to two indicators from the Institute for Supply Management.  Each month they survey purchasing managers from firms representing the manufacturing and services segments of the economy.  In this latest survey, each side was well above minimum levels associated with growth. 

Output accelerated in August 2018 according to data from the Institute for Supply Management.  Manufacturing’s reading increased to 61.3 from an already hot 58.1.  Likewise, services jumped to 58.5 from 55.7.  Remember, readings above 50 for these indicators are acceptable, so America’s economy appears to be moving along swimmingly.

Economic output seems to have moderated in July 2018 according to the latest from the Institute for Supply Management. Both of their indices (representing manufacturing and services) pulled back from rather elevated levels as the second half of the year got underway.  However, output is still growing even if it is decelerating.