The Institute of Supply Management released the ISM Manufacturing PMI report for June.
The report noted that the ISM manufacturing fell from 48.7 in May to 48.5 in June, compared to the analyst consensus of 49.1. Numbers below 50 show contraction.
The ISM Industrial Employment Index fell from 51.1 in May to 49.3 in June, compared to analysts’ expectations of 50.0, while the New Orders Index rose from 45.4 to 49.3.
The Institute for Supply Management commented: “Demand remains weak, as companies show unwillingness to invest in capital and inventory due to current monetary policy and other conditions.”
Today, traders also had the opportunity to take a look at the final reading of the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI report. The report showed that the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI rose from 51.3 in May to 51.6 in June, compared to analysts’ expectations of 51.7.
The US dollar index tried to settle below the 105.60 level as traders reacted to the weaker-than-expected report. Treasury yields are moving higher, but the move does not provide enough support for the greenback..
Gold rose despite rising Treasury yields as traders focused on the dollar’s decline. Currently, spot gold is trading near the $2330 level.
After periods of economic slowdown or recession, the ISM Manufacturing PMI usually shows a rebound as manufacturing activity recovers.
The SP500 is testing session lows as traders focus on current trends in the US manufacturing sector. Some traders may use this disappointing report as an excuse to take some profit from the table near historic highs..
ISM Manufacturing PMI Volatility
Recent trends in the ISM manufacturing PMI have shown volatility influenced by various economic factors:
Recovery and expansion: After periods of economic slowdown or recession, the ISM Manufacturing PMI usually shows a rebound as manufacturing activity recovers.
Volatility in supply chains: Disturbances in global supply chains, such as those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to fluctuations in PMI readings, reflecting challenges in sourcing materials and components.
Labor market dynamics: Changes in employment levels and labor availability can affect productive capacity and thus affect PMI readings.
Sectoral differences: Different manufacturing sectors (e.g. automotive, electronics, and consumer goods) may face different levels of demand and operational challenges, influencing the overall PMI trends.
Understanding these trends helps measure the health of the manufacturing sector and provides insight into broader economic conditions.
How to analyze the ISM manufacturing PMI
The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (ISM) (Purchasing Managers’ Index) is calculated based on a survey of purchasing managers from different manufacturing companies. Here’s how it usually works:
Survey: The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) surveys purchasing managers from a representative sample of manufacturing companies.
Ingredients: The survey includes questions about different aspects of their business, such as new orders, production levels, hiring, supplier delivery, inventories, and prices.
Index calculation: Each survey item is weighted according to its relative importance in the manufacturing sector. These weighted components are then compiled to calculate the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)).
Threshold: A PMI reading above 50 indicates an expansion in the manufacturing sector compared to the previous month, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction.
By tracking changes in PMI over time, economists, policymakers and investors gain insights into the health and direction of the manufacturing sector, which in turn provides valuable information about broader economic trends.
The importance of the ISM manufacturing PMI as a leading indicator of economic activity
The manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) is important for the economy for several reasons:
Economic Health Index: provides a snapshot of the health of the manufacturing sector, which is a key component of overall economic activity. A higher PMI usually indicates economic expansion, while a lower PMI can signal contraction.
Forward-looking Index: The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a leading indicator, which means it provides insight into future economic trends. Changes in the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) can expect shifts in production, employment, and investment in business.
Impact on GDP: Manufacturing activities, reflected in the PMI, contribute significantly to GDP. Purchasing managers’ index trends can therefore affect GDP growth expectations.
Employment trends: Manufacturing PMI readings can indicate changes in employment levels within the sector. Strong PMI figures may indicate increased hiring and vice versa.
Inflationary pressures: The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) includes components such as input prices and output prices, and provides insight into inflationary pressures within the economy. Higher PMI readings as prices rise could indicate potential inflationary trends.
Market sentiment and investment decisions: Financial markets are closely watching PMI releases. Positive PMI data can boost investor confidence, leading to higher stock market valuations and increased business investments.
Policy implications: Central banks and policymakers use PMI data to assess economic conditions and make decisions about monetary policy, interest rates and stimulus measures.
Overall, the ISM Manufacturing PMI is a critical measure of economic health, affecting a wide range of stakeholders from policymakers to investors and businesses.
