Research >> Economics
Philadelphia NonManufacturing Activity Indicators Signal Faster Growth
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Business activity in the region expanded at a faster pace in January compared with December, according to Nonmanufacturing Business Outlook Survey respondents. The index for general activity at the firm level increased along with almost all of the survey’s other indicators. While broad improvements were seen in new orders and sales/revenues, the employment indicators were mixed. More firms reported increases in prices this month compared with last month. The indicators reflecting expectations of future activity during the next six months showed a high degree of optimism for growth at firms and in the region.
Current Indicators Signal Faster Growth
Firms reported a general rise in the pace of growth for current activity in the region. The diffusion index for general activity at the firm level rose from a revised reading of 26.1 in December to 33.3 in January (see Chart 1).* Nearly 49 percent of the firms reported an increase in activity at their firm, while only 15 percent reported a decrease. This index is now modestly above its historical average of 28.2. Firms also signaled a strengthening in their perception of overall regional economic activity; the regional activity index rose 18 points, to 37.7. This index now stands 15 points above its historical average of 22.7.
The sales/revenues index increased by 23 points, to 43.5. This month, 53 percent of the firms indicated an increase in sales/revenues, up from 42 percent in December. Meanwhile, the percentage of firms reporting a decrease in sales/revenues fell from 21 percent to 9 percent. In addition, the index for new orders rose 9 points, to 28.9. While there was little change in the share of firms indicating an increase in new orders, the share indicating a decline in new orders fell from 19 percent in December to 11 percent in January.
Slight Rise in Full-time Employment
Despite the broad increases in activity and sales, the full-time employment index rose only 3 points, to 19.5. Nonetheless, this value is above its historical average of 14.2, and the share of firms that reported an increase in full-time employment rose to 29 percent in January. Furthermore, the average workweek index rose 13 points, to 32.6. The part-time employment index fell 10 points, to 5.3. A faster pace of increase was reported for wages and benefits.
Firms Report Increases in Prices
Price pressures for firms’ inputs and own products accelerated in January. Almost 30 percent of the firms reported higher prices for inputs, up from 19 percent in December. The prices paid index is now 29.5, which is above its historical average of 20.2. With respect to their own prices, 22 percent of the firms reported higher prices in January, compared with 15 percent in December. The prices received index increased 13 points to 22.1, putting it above its historical average of 12.1.
Capital Expenditures Rise
Indexes for spending on equipment and software and physical plant rose. The index for equipment and software spending increased 9 points, to 34.2. The share of firms reporting increased spending on equipment and software was 36 percent, up from 30 percent last month, while the share reporting a decrease fell slightly to 2 percent. The index for physical plant spending rose 18 points, to 38.6.
Firms Report That Demand Rose in 2016
In this month’s special question, firms were asked to assess the underlying demand for their products and/or services over the course of the past year, and a majority reported an increase. Most firms (64 percent) reported an increase in underlying demand, but 49 percent characterized the increase as modest (see Special Question below). Nearly 20 percent reported no change, and 16 percent reported a decrease.
Firms Are More Optimistic About Future Growth
The respondents to this month’s survey expressed a high degree of optimism about activity over the next six months. The diffusion index for future activity at the firm level rose to 68.3, a 7 point improvement over the revised December reading (see Chart 1). More than 71 percent of the respondents expect an increase in activity at their firms, while 3 percent expect a decrease. The respondents’ views about overall growth in the region over the next six months also strengthened: The future regional activity index increased 7 points, to 70.6.
Summary
Results from this month’s Nonmanufacturing Business Outlook Survey suggest a pickup in the pace of business expansion. The indicators for current general activity at the firm level, new orders, sales/revenue, and full-time employment rose. The prices paid and prices received indicators also rose. The forecasts for activity over the next six months are highly optimistic.
Posted: January 24, 2017 Tuesday 08:30 AM