Input Stories
Manufacturing Output Slows
Manufacturing output slowed in April, according to index provider .
What鈥檚 going on: While overall business activity continued to grow this month鈥攁lbeit at a slower pace鈥攎anufacturing growth eased.
- S&P Global鈥檚 Flash US Manufacturing PMI came in at 49.9, a four-month low and down from March鈥檚 51.9.
- Any number below 50 indicates contraction.
Why it鈥檚 happening: The decline in orders can be linked 鈥渢o inflationary pressures, weak demand and sufficient stock holdings at customers.鈥
However 鈥 Employment in manufacturing in April rose modestly.
What it means: 鈥淸T]he drivers of inflation have changed,鈥 said S&P Global Market Intelligence Chief Business Economist Chris Williamson. 鈥淢anufacturing has now registered the steeper rate of price increases in three of the past four months, with
factory cost pressures intensifying in April amid higher raw material and fuel prices.鈥