Georgia manufacturing index up for the first time in five months
Increases in January new orders and production points to positive beginning for 2013
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Georgia
(Feb 1, 2013) —
KENNESAW, Ga. (Feb. 1, 2013) — Georgia manufacturing activity improved 9.8 points to 55 in January, the first time
the monthly index has shown positive movement since September 2012. This surge is
due primarily to the strength of sharp increases for new orders and production, according
to the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) released today by Kennesaw State University’s
Econometric Center at the Michael J. Coles College of Business.
This month’s index is the strongest it has been since June 2012 when it also registered
55 points.
“The size of the increase in manufacturing activity for January was somewhat of a
surprise, but there is no way to measure how the resolution of the pending sequestration
and higher taxes previously delayed business decisions,” said Sabbarese. “But perhaps
the best explanation for such a strong uptick is the recent compromise surrounding
the fiscal cliff.”
The January index also recorded a 4.9 point increase over its six-month average of
50 points.
“The renewed strength in new orders for January is much needed, however, it remains
to be seen if this is a sustainable trend or a one month aberration,” said Sabbarese.
“The true test will be we can sustain these levels throughout the 1st quarter.”
Highlights from the January PMI include:
· New orders up 21.6 points, to 59.6
· Production up 19.8 points, to 55.8
· Employment up 1.9 points, to 51.9
· Supplier delivery up 5.8 points, to 55.8
· Finished inventory down 0.1 of a point, to 51.9
· Commodity prices were up 9.4 points, to 65.4
The Georgia PMI provides a snapshot of manufacturing activity in the state, just as
the monthly PMI released by the Institute for Supply Management provides a picture
of national manufacturing activity. A PMI reading above 50 indicates that manufacturing
activity is expanding; a reading below 50 indicates it is contracting.
The Georgia PMI reading is a composite of five variables — new orders, production,
employment, supply deliveries and finished inventory. A sixth variable, commodity
prices, is compiled by the Coles College’s Econometric Center but does not go into
the PMI calculation.
The PMI, compiled from a monthly survey of manufacturers, is the earliest indicator
of market conditions in the sector. Since manufacturing, which accounts for 11 percent
of GDP, is sensitive to changes in the economy, it can also reveal changing macroeconomic
trends.
The PMI’s value is in its timeliness and sensitivity to variables such as interest
rates, global markets and other economic changes. The Georgia PMI provides valuable
data used by institutions such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta to assist in
its analysis of current economic conditions, along with many other data sources, to
get a picture of economic activity.
For a full report of the January PMI, or to speak with professor Sabbarese, please
call 770-423-6094.
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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the second-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 126 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
