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The March ISM manufacturing index was a bit stronger than expected, and as the above chart shows, at this level the index is consistent with overall economic growth of 3-4%. Nothing spectacular about that, of course, but perhaps more important is the fact that there is no sign of any unusual weakness here. I'm hearing a lot of analysts arguing that Q1/12 GDP growth was less than Q4/11, but today's ISM news doesn't support that.
March export orders were the weakest component of the ISM report (54 in March, down from a very strong 59.5 in February), and many point to an emerging recession in Europe and a substantial weakening of the Chinese economy as the likely culprits. That may be the case, but a reading of 54 still suggests improving conditions. And offsetting a less-strong export number, the employment index rose to 56.1; as the above chart shows, that is a pretty strong number from an historical perspective. On balance, the manufacturing sector continues to look healthy, suggesting first quarter growth is likely to be at least as strong as fourth quarter growth.
1 comment:
USA manufacturing doing well on basis of good exchange rate for the dollar, and private-sector flexibility.
China is slowing, but not by much. The mainland China central bank has a "revealed preference" for growth before inflation-fighting. Ergo, look for strong growth from China for many years. The Big Q is can a corrupt, centrally planned Communist nation keep growing many years out? Do non-market impediments build up to the point they stagnate?
The Soviets could not keep growing. But China is not the Soviet Union. They waste less on defense, have less corruption than the Soviets, have better work ethics (vodka is not the national lunch drink, afternoon fresh-up and pre- and post-dinner salve).
The ECB needs to print a lot more money, and they are figuring that out.
I see growth in 2012, but not robust.
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