The January PMI Index from the Institute for Supply Management rose 2.3 points to 56.6 after shedding 5 points in December (a reading above 50 indicates expansion). New Orders were up 6.9 points for January to 58.2 after falling 11.0 points in December. Production was up 6.4 points to 60.5 while Prices fell 5.3 points to 49.6 indicating contracting prices. The future outlook was mixed as certain sectors (Paper, Chemicals, Furniture & Related Products) experience headwinds, while others (Fabricated Metal, Plastics and Rubber, Nonmetallic Mineral products) anticipate growth in 2019. See the full report here.
