Research >> Economics
Richmond Fed's Current Activity Index gained 4 points to a reading of 1
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Manufacturing activity flattened in May, according to the most recent survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Shipments and the volume of new orders leveled off, while the backlog of orders declined further compared to last month. Hiring edged up, while the average workweek increased slightly. However, average wage growth accelerated this month.
Despite the soft conditions this month, manufacturers continued to look for improved business conditions in the next six months. Expectations were for solid growth in shipments and in the volume of new orders in the six months ahead. In addition, survey participants looked for increased capacity utilization and expected order backlogs to grow more quickly. However, producers looked for little change in vendor lead times.
Manufacturers' outlook for the months ahead included faster growth in the number of employees and average wages than in the current month. In addition, they expected modest growth in the length of the average workweek.
Prices of raw materials rose at a somewhat faster pace in May compared to last month. However, price growth slowed for finished goods. Manufacturers expected faster growth in prices paid and in prices received during the next six months.
Manufacturing activity remained soft this month, with several components flattening. The composite index for manufacturing moved to 1 following April's reading of −3, while the shipments index leveled off to −1 from −6. In addition, the index for new orders gained eight points, reaching a nearly flat reading of 2. Manufacturing hiring continued to grow at a modest pace this month. The May indicator slipped four points to a reading of 3.
Capacity utilization increased this month. The index moved up 11 points to a reading of 7. Backlogs decreased, pulling that index down two points to −10. Vendor lead time lengthened, pushing the index to 6 from a reading of −6. Finished goods inventories rose more quickly than a month ago. The index gained three points to finish at 21. Additionally, raw materials inventories rose at a slightly faster rate. That gauge also moved up three points, ending at 22.
Posted: May 26, 2015 Tuesday 10:00 AM